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niF 


NINETEEN  TRAGEDIES 


AND 


FRAGMENTS 


or 


EURIPIDES 


TRANSLATED 


BY    MICHAEL    WODIIULL,    ESQ. 


A  I^EIV  EDITION, 


CORRECTED  TIIROUfillOUT   BY  THE    TRANSLATOir. 


IN  THREE  VOLUMES. 


VOL.  IL 


LONDON : 

PRINTED  FOR  JOHN  WALKER  ;  T.  PAYNE  ;  VERNOR,  HOOD,  &  SHARPR, 

R.LEA^     J.   KL'NN  ;  CUTHELL    <S:    MARTIN;   E.  JEFFERY  ;    LONGMAN, 

HURST,  REES,  AND  ORME  ;   LACKINCiTON,  ALLEN,  &  CO.  ;  .1.  BOOKER  ; 

J.    RICHARDSON:     BLACK,     PAItKY,  ^'     KINT.SItURY  :      J.   FALLUER  : 

J*  ASPERXi::   AND  J,  HARRIS. 

IHOfN 


E.  Blackadcr,  Printer,  Took's  Courts  Chaocerx  Lan*. 


5ll^t^ 


CONTENTS. 


VOL.  II. 


PAGX. 

Suppliants 1. 

Iphigenia  in  Aulis *  65 

Iphigenia  iK  Tauris 157 

Rhesus  .t 239 

Tbojan  Captives 289 

Bacchanalians 347 

Cyclops   .-^ , 411 

Childrcn  of.  Hercules 451 


I 
I 


THE 


NINETEEN  TRAGEDIES 


AKD 


FRAGMENTS 


OF 


EURIPIDES 


TRANSLATED 


BY    MICHAEL    WODHULL,    ESQ. 


A  NEW  EDITION, 


CQRRECTED  THROUGHOUT   BY  THE    TRA?1SLA.T0K. 


IN  THREE  VOLUMES. 


VOL.  II. 


LONDON : 

PRINTED  FOR  JOHN  \VALKER  ;  T.  PAYNE  ;  ¥ERNOR,  HOOD,  Sc  SHARPE; 

R.LEA;    J.   NUNN  ;  CUTHELL   &  MARTIN;  E.  JEFFERY  ;    LONGMAN, 

HURST,  REES,  AND  ORME  ;  LACKINGTON,  ALLEN,  &  CO.  ',  J.  BOOKER; 

J.    RICHARDSON;    BLACK,     PARRY,  &    KINGSBURY:     J.  FAULDER  : 

J.  ASPERNE;   and  J.  HARRIS. 

1  80f). 


E.  Blackadcr,  Printer,  Took's  Courts  Chancery  Lane. 


U4-fe.^ 


CONTENTS. 


VOL.  II. 


PAGX. 

Suppliants 1. 

Iphigenia  in  Aulis *  65 

Iphigenia  iK  Tauris 157 

Rhesus  .t 239 

T«ojAN  Captives ' 289 

Bacchanalians 1  • 347 

Cyc*lops   .<^ ,....' 411 

CnitDReN  OF.  Hercules  ' 451 


.  / 


'  'L* 


THE  SUPPLIAMTS. 


£Xit;0-»y»ay  T»?  nn^n^,  t»r»v^»  tO»i]/c. 

Pausanias. 


VOL.  U. 


'^: 


<«  <•- 


PERSONS  OF  THE  DRAMA. 


iETHRA. 

CHORUS  OP  ARgftVE  MATi|ON)S. 

THESEUS. 
ADRASTUS. 

HERAU). 

MESSENGER. 

EVADNE. 

• 

IPHIS. 

A  BOYy    SUPPOSED  TO  BE  MELON  THE  SON  OF  EtBOCLU^. 

MINERVA. 

SCENE^THE  TEMPLE  OF  CERES,  AT  ELEUSINE,  IN  THE 

ATHENUN  TERRITORY. 


■  y 


THE  SUPPLIANTS. 


K^itff  o(  ihfwartvt  Tort  tv  @t)?aK>  v  wa^xi  tok  v^poyinea'tp  ayiAo- 
EXfvatyifty  T9f  yix^tff,  fyr«v9a  tOa4'<* 

PAUSANL48. 


VOL.  U* 


4  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

Back  from  those  hostile  fields  to  bring  the  slain"      ' 

And  lodge  them  in  a  tomb  :  on  him  alone 

And  Athens^  he  this  honourable  task 

Imposes.     Hither  were  the  victims  borne. 

That  we  a  prosperous  tillage  may  obtain. 

And  for  this  cause  I  from  my  house  am  come 

Into  this  temple,  where  the  bearded  (2)  grain 

First  rising  fiom  the  fruitful  soil  appeared. 

Holding  loose  sprays  of  foliage  in  my  band, 

I  wait  before  the  unpolluted  altars 

Of  Proserpine  a-nd  Ceres;  for  these  Mothers 

Grown  boar  with  age  and  of  their  children  reft, 

With  pity  mov'd,  and, to  the  sacred  braDchen 

Yielding  a  due  respect.    I  to  the  city 

Have  sent  a  herald  to  call  Theseus  hither, . 

That  from  the  Theban  land  he  may  remove 

The  causes  of  their  sorrow,  or  the  Gods 

Appeasing  by  some  pious  rites,  release  me 

From  the  panstraiat  thes^.  suppliant  Dam^ei  iiopose^ 

In  all  emergencies  discretion  bids  v    . 

Our  feeble  sex  tQse^k  man's  needful  aid. 

•  CHORUS. 

An  aged  woman  {>ro^trftte.at;  thy  knees; 
Thee  I  implore  my  .qhildrien  to  redeem,,  ,, 

Who  welter  on  afore^n  plain,  iinnei*v'd    ' * 

By  death  and  to  the  savage  beasts  a  prpy :        ;.: 
Thou  see*st  the  pjteops  4jears  which  from  these  eyes 
Utibidden  start,  and  torn  with  degf>erate  hands 
My  wrinkled  flesh.     What  hope  refmains  for  me. 
Who  neither,  at  my  home,  have  been  allow'd 
The  corses  of  my  children  to  stretch  forth,  n:        ' 

Nor  heap'd  with  earth  behold  their  tombs  arise?  >  >!,/. 
Thou,  too,  illustrious  Dame,  hast  borne  a  Son   ;<.  >  nO 

(2)  BrodsDos  has  collected  testnnotiies  from  a  Oreek  gkMMfy^^ 
Homer,  Phurnutns,  Ariatides,  and  Pausaniaa,  to  show.tli^  ISkmajl^  m$» 
tlie  place  where  corn  first  made  iU  appearance,  upon  wjiiph  ^ipf9^' 
ful  inhabitants  erected  the  famous  temple  of  Ceres  on  t^e'^twnoKe 
they  first  reaped  her  bounties,  -       « 


1 


THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

Crowning  the  utmost  wishes  of  thy  Lord, 
Speak  therefore  what  thou  think'st  of  our  distress 
In  langjqiage  suited  to  the  griefs  I  feel 
For  thedeceas'd  whom  I  brought  forth;  persuade 
Thy  Son,  whose  succour  we  implore,  to  march 
Acr^oss  Ismenos'  channel,  and  consign    • 
To  mfi  the  bodies  of  the  slaughtered  youths, 
T^tt  I  beneath  the  monumental  stone 
May  bury  them  with  every  sacred  rite. 
Though  not  by  mere  nece.ssity  constpin'd. 
We  at  thy  knees  fall  down  and  urge  our  suit 
Before  these  altars  of  the  Gods,  where  snjokes 
The  frecjjuent  incense  :  for  our  cause  is  just : 
And  through  the  prosperous  fortunes  of  thy  Son 
With  power  sufficient  to  remove  our  wo6s 
Art  thou  -endued :   but  since  the  ills  I  suffer 
Thy  pity  claim,  a  miserable  suppliant, 
I  crave  that  to  thesie  arms  thou  would 'st  restore 
My  Son,  and  grant  me  to  pmbrace  his  corse. 

JETHRA. 

O    D    E. 
I. 

Here  a  fresh  groupe  of  mourners  stands. 
Your  followers  in  succession  wring  their  hands. 

CHORUS. 

Attune  expressive  notes  of  anguish, 

O  ye  sympathetic  choir. 
And  in  harmonious  accents  languish, 

Such  as  Pluto  loves  t*  inspire. 
Tear  those  cheeks  of  pallid  hue. 
And  let  gore  your  bosoms  stain^ 
Tot  from  the  living  is  such  honour  due 

To  the  shades  of  heroes  slain. 
Whose  corses  welter  on  th'  embattled  plain. 

If? 

UntJBi  »f  grief; 


4  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

Back  from  those  hostile  fields  to  bring  the  slain*      ^ 
And  lodge  them  in  a  tomb  :  on  him  alone 
And  Athens^  he  this  honourable  task 
Imposes.     Hither  were  the  victims  borne. 
That  we  a  prosperous  tillage  may  obtain,    . 
And  for  this  cause  I  from  my  house  am  come 
Into  this  temple,  where  the  bearded  (2)  grain 
First  rising  fiom  the  fruitful  soil  appeared. 
Holding  loose  sprays  of  foliage  in  my  baad, 
I  wait  before  the  unpolluted  altars 
Of  Proserpine  and  Ceres;  for  these  Mothers 
Grown  boar  with  age  and  of  their  children  reft, 
With  pity  mov'd,  a,nd,tQ  the  s^acred  branchen 
yielding  a  due  respecU    I. to  the  city 
Have  sent  a  herald  to  call  Theseus  hither,, 
That  from  the  Theban  Jand  he  may  remove . 
The  causes  of  their  sorrow,  or  the  Gods 
Appeasing  by  some  pious  rites,  release  me  . 

From  the  constraiat  thes^.  suppliant  Datne^  iuipose* 
In  all  eniergencies  discretion  bids  \> 

Our  feeble  sex  to  seek  man's  needful  aid.. 

CHORUS.  ^. 

An  aged  wometn^r^trftte.atthy  knees;      ;  > 
Thee  I  implore  my  ,qhildren  ito  redeem, ,  , ; 
Who  welter  on  a  foreign  plain,  unnei^v'd   !  ,  . 
By  death  and  to  the  savage  beasts  a  pr^y : , 
Thou  see*st  the  piteops  4^ears  which,  from  these  eyes 
Utibidden  start,  and  torn  with  desperate  hand^ 
.My  wrinkled  flesh,     What  hope  refmains  for  me. 
Who  neither,  at  my  home,  have  been  allow'd 
The  corses  of  my  children  to  stretch  forth,  ii. 

Nor  heap'd  with  earth  behold  their  tombs  arise  ? 
Thou,  too,  illustrious  Dame,  hast  borne  a  Son       i   •(  > 

(2)  Brodacus  has  collected  testimonies  from  a  Greek  glossary- ^ti> 
Homer,  Phurnutns,  Aristides,  and  Pausanias,  to  show.tliat  Elewsiiie  was 
the  place  where  corn  first  made  it«  appeai-ance .  upon  whiph  the  fimte- 
ful  inhabitants  erected  the  famous  temple  of  Ceres  on  the  spot  wEence 
they  first  reaped  her  bounties. 


I  • ) 


THE  SUPPLIANTS.  r$ 

Crowning  the  utmost  wishes  of  thy  Lord, 
Speak  therefore  what  thou  think'st  of  our  distress 
In  langjqiage  suited  to  the  griefs  I  feel 
For  thedeceas'd  whom  I  brought  forth;  persuade 
Thy  Son,  whose  succour  we  implore,  to  march 
Aci;oss  Ismenos'  channel,  and  consign    • 
To  me  the  bodies  of  the  slaughtered  youths^ 
Th^t  I  beneath  the  monumental  stone 
May  bury  them  with  every  sacred  rite. 
Though  not  by  mere  nece.ssity  constpin'd. 
We  at  thy  knees  fall  down  and  urge  our  suit 
Before  these  altars  of  the  Gods,  where  smokes 
The  frequent  incense  :  for  our  c^use  is  just : 
And  through  the  prbsperous  fortunes  of  thy  Son 
With  power  sufficient  to  remove  our  wo6s 
Art  thou  endued :   but  since  the  ills  I  suffer 
Thy  pity  claim,  a  miserable  suppliant, 
I  crave  that  to  these  arms  thou  would'st  restore 
Mj  Sod,  and  grant  me  to  pmbrace  his  corse. 

JETHRA. 

O    D    E. 
I. 

Here  a  fresh  groupe  of  mourners  stands. 
Your  followers  in  succession  wring  their  hands.         * 

CHORUS. 

Attune  expressive  notes  of  anguish, 

O  ye  sympathetic  choir. 
And  in  harmonious  accents  languish, 

Such  as  Pluto  loves  t*  inspire. 
Tear  those  cheeks  of  pallid  hue. 
And  let  gore  your  bosoms  stain^ 
-Tot  from  the  living  is  such  honour  due 

To  the  shades  of  heroes  slain. 
Whose  corses  welter  on  th'  embattled  plain. 

IL 

I  feel  a  ple^sin^  sad  relief, 
Unsated  as  I  brood  b*er  scenes  of  grief; 


«  THE  SUPPLIANTa 

My  lamentations  never  ending. 

Are  like  the  moisture  of  the  sea 

In  drops  from  some  high  rock  descending^ 

Which  flows  to  all  eternity. 
For  those  youths  who  breathe  no  more 
Mature  bids  the  Mother  weep    ' 
And  with  incessant  tears  their  loss  deplore : 

In  oblivion  would  I  steep 
My  woes^  and  welcome  death's  perpetual  sleep. 

THESEUS,  ^THRA,  ADRASTUS,  CHORUS. 

THESEUS. 

What  plain  ts  are  these  I  hear  i  who  strike  their  breastjs^ 
Attuning  lamentations  for  the  dead 
In  such  loud  notes  as  issue  from  the  fane  ? 
Borne  hither  by  oiy  fears  with  winged  speedj 
I  come  to  see  if  auy  recent  ill 
May  have  befallen  my  Mother ;   she  from  home 
Hath  long  been  absent.— -Ha !  what  ol^ects  new 
And  strange  are  these  which  now  mine  eyes  behold  f 
Fresh  questions  hence  arise  :  my  aged  Mother 
Close  to  the  altar  seated  with  a  band 
Of  foreign  matrons,  who  their  woes  express 
In  various  warbled  notes,  and  on  the  ground 
Shed  from  their  venerable  eyes  a  stream 
Of  tears  :  their  heads  are  shorn,  nor  is  their  garb 
Suited  to  those  who  tend  the  sacred  rites  ? 
What  means  all  this  i  My  Mother,  say ;  from  yoii 
I  wait  for  information,  and  expect 
Some  tidings  of  importance. 

JETHRA. 

O  my  Son 
These  are  the  Mothers  of  those  seven  fam*d  chiefs 
Who  perish'd  at  the  gates  of  Thebes ;  you  see 
How  they  with  suppliant  branches  on  all  sides 
Encompass  me. 

THESEUS. 

But  who  is  he  who  groans 


THE  SUPPUANTB.  ^ 

I 

So  piteously^  stretcht  forth  before  the  gate  i 
Adrastus,  they  inform  me,  king  of  Argoa. 

THESEUS.  -"-i'l 

Are  they  who  stand  around^  those  (3)  Matrons*  SovJkf 
Not  theirs;  they  are  the  children  of  the  slain. 

THESEUS.  : 

Why  with  those  suppliant  tokens  in  their  hands 
Come  they  to  us  f 

I  know:  but  it  behoves 
Them,  O  my  Son,  their  errand  to  unfold. 

THESEUS. 

To  thee  who  in  a  fleecy  cloak  art  wrapped. 
My  questions  I  address :  thy  head  unveil> 
Cease  to  lament^  and  speak ;   for  while  thy/tbngne  . 
Utters  no  accent,  nought  canst  thou  obtain. 

ADRASTUS. 

O  king  of  the  Athenian  land;  renowned 
For  your  victorious  arms,  to  you,  O  Theseus. 
And  to  your  city,  I  a  suppliant  come.  J 

tHESEUS. 

What's  thy  pursuit,  and  what  is  it  thou  need'st  ? 

ADRASTUS. 

Know  you  not  how  ill-fated  was  the  host 
lied? 

THESEUS. 

Thou  didst  not  pass  thro'  Greece  in  silence. : 

ADRASTUS. 

The  noblest  youths  of  Argos  there  1  lost. 

TBESEUS. 

.  Such  dire  effects  from  luckless  war  arise. 

(3)  Finding  by  Dr.  Musgiaye's  note,  that  tiiere  it  the  antlioijty  of  a 
manuscript  for  reading  wtm  instead  of  wn,  I  gladly  a^ail  myself  of  it, 
as  an  amendment  of  the  text  which  Minerya's  apostrophe  at  tiie  clo^  <i 
this  play  to  ^Egialeiv  son  of  Adrastus  strongly  rapports. 


6  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

ADRAS^USk 

From  Thebes  I  claim'd  the  bodies  of  the  slain. 

'  THESEUS. 

Did'st  thou  rely  on  Heralds  to  procure 
Leave  to  inter  tile  dead  ? 

ADKASTUS. 

But  they  who  slew  them 
Deny  this  favour*         .    . .,     * 

THESEUS. 

What  can  they  allege   . 
'Gainst  a  request  which  justice  must  approve? 

■  '    ADRASTUS. 

Ask  not  the  reason  :  they  are  now  elate 
With  a  success  they  know  not  how  to  bear. 

THESEUS. 

Art  thou  come  hither  to  consult  me  then^ 
Or  od  what;  errand  ?/ 

ADRASTUS.         r    ■ 

Tis  my  wish,  O  Theseus, 
That  you  the  Sotis  t>f  Argos.wou3  redeem.  / 

THESEUS. 

Bujt  where  is  Argos  now-f  ^jrere  all  her  boasts 
Pf  no  eflfect  ? 

ADRASTUS* 

We  by  this  one  defeat 
Are  ruiaM,  and  to  you  for  succour  come. 

THESEUS. 

*  This  on  thy  private  judgenient,  or  the  voice 
Of  the  wbole  city  i     ' 

ADRASTUS. 

All  the  i-ace  of  Danaus 
In^plore  you  to  inter  the  slain. 

THESEUS. 

Why  led'st  thou 
'Gainst  Thebes  seven  squad  i  ons  i 

ADRASTUS. 

To  coof(^r  a  fi|voi|r 
Pn  my  twp  Sops  in  law. 


»   •    < 


THE  SUPPLIANTS.  g 

THESEUS. 

To  what  brave  chiefs 
Of  Argos  didst  thou  give  thy  Daughters'  haodsf 

ADRASTVS. 

My  family  in  wedlock  1  with  those 
Of  our  own  nation  join*d  not. 

THESEUS. 
*  Didst  thou  yield 

Those  Argive  damsels  to  some  foreign  bridegrooms? 

ADRASTUS. 
ToTydeus;  and  to  Polynices  sprung 
From  Thebau  sires. 

THESEUS. 

What  dotage  could  induce  thee 
To  form  alliances  like  these  i       . 

ADRASTUS.. 

Dark  riddles 
Pbcebua  propounded,  which  my  judgement  swayed, 

THESEUS. 

Such  union  for  the  virgins  to  prescribe^ 
What  said  Apollo  ? 

ADRASTUS. 
That  I  must  bestow 
My  Daughters  on,  the  lion  and  the  boar« 

THESEUS. 

But  how  didst  thou  interpret  this  response 
Of  the  prophetic  God  ? 

ADRASTUS. 

By  night  two  exiles 
Came  to  my  door. 

THESEUS. 

Say,  who  and  who :  thou  speak'st 
Of  both  at  once* 

ADRASTUS. 

Together  Tydosus  fought; 
And  Polynices. 


•:  » 


JO  THE  SUPPLUNTS. 

THESEUS. 
Hence  didst  thou  on  them 
As  on  ferocious  beasts  bestow  thy  Daughters  f    . 

ADRASTUS. 

Their  combat  that  of  savages  I  deemed.  '  ^ 

THESEUS. 

Why  did  they  leave  their  native  land  ? 

ADRASTUS. 

Thence  fled 
Tydeus  polluted  with  his  (4)  Brother's  gore. 

THESEUS. 
But  why  did  Oedipus*s  son  forsake 
The  Theban  realm  ? 

ADRASTUS. 

•  '    The  curses  of  his  Sire 
Thence  drove  him^  lest  his  Brother  he  should  slay. 

THESEUS. 

A  prudent  cause  for  this  spontaneous  e^^ile 
Hast  thou  assign'd.  ..  ^ 

ADRASTUS.  -' 

But  they  who  staid  at  home 
Oppressed  the  absent*  -  " 

-  THESEUS. 

Did  his  Brother  rob  him  '' 

Of  the  inheritance  ? 

ADRASTUS. 

I  to  decide 
This  contest  went,  and  hence  am  I  undone. 

•       J  /  *3  ' .         ... 

I 

(4)  The  Scholiast  (conunonly  called  Didymus)  on  Homer  II.  L.  xiv. 
T.  120,  says,  ^  Tydeus,  born  in  J^toKa^  was  the  most  valiant  of  Oeneus' 

sons.  While  yet  a  yd«th^  hesaw  his  father  driven  from  his  throne 
'^  on  accoimt  of  his  old  age,  by  the  sons  of  his  brother  Agrins :  upon 
<'  which  he  slew  his  Cousins,  and  with  them  involuntarily  his  own  Brother 
<<  Menalippus:  flying  to  Adrastus,  lung  of  Argos,  he  obtained  purifica-i 
'<  tion  from  him,  and  married  his  Daaghter  Deipule.  BrodfEus  hath 
'^  afaready  made  tiiese  observation."**  'IMotNES*  ^ 


."    J! 


THE  SUPPUANTS.  ir 

.     .     ■    .  THESEUS.  .  •'  '"'" 

Didst  thou  consult  the  Seers>  a^d  from  the  altar 
Behold  the  flames  of  sacrifice  ascend  ?     .  •     t  : 

ADBASTU81.  .       ,  • 

Alas  you  urge  me  on  that  very  point  ;     :    ^ 

Where  most  I  fail'd. 

THESEUS.  ^ 

Thou  led'3t  thy  troops,  it.  Btemji; 
Altho'  the  Gods  approved  not,  to  the  field. 

ADRASTUS. 

Yet  more/  Amphiareus  opposed  our'^miarch.        . 

.     THESEUS, 

Didst  thou  thus  lightly  thwart  the  will'df  Heaven^ 

ADRASTUS. 

I  by  the  o1amorou»  zeal  of  younger  men 
Was  hurried  on. 

^THESEUSw    - 

Jlegardless  of  discretion. 
Thy  courage  thou  didst  follow. 

ADRATUS. 

Many  a  chief  : 
Hath  such  misconduct  utterly  destroy'^^;  -^-^ 

But  O  most  dauntless  of  the  Gccfcian  racCf  ^: 

Monarch  of  the  Athenian  realm;  I  Uusb  ,     ' 

Thus  prostrate  on  the  ground,  to  clasp  your  kneel 
Grown  grey  with  age,  and  onice  a  happy  king ! 
But  I  to  my  calamities  must  yield. 
Redeem  the  dead,  in  pity  to  my  woes. 
And  to  these.  Mothers  of  their  Sons,  bereft. 
To  whom  the  burdens  which  on  hoary  ag^ 
Attend,  are  added  to  their  childless  state* 
Yet  hither  they  endur'd  to  come,!  and  tread 
A  foreign  soil,  tho'  their  decrepid  feet 
Could  hardly  move :  the  embassy  they  bring 
Hath  no  connection  with  the  mystic  rites 
Of  Ceres  5  all  they  crave  is  to  inter  ' 
The  slain,  as  they  at  their  matujre  decease 


m  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

Would  from  their  sons  such  honors  have  obtained. 

?Tis  wisdom  in  the  opulent  to  look 

With  pity  on  the  Sorrows  of  the  poor. 

And  in  the  poor  man  to  look  up  to  those 

Who  have  abundant  riches,  as  examples 

For  him  to  imitate,  and  thence  acquire 

A  wish  his  own  possessions  to  improve. 

They  too  who  are  with  prosperous  fortunes  blest 

Should  feel  a  prudent  dread  of  fiiture  woes ; 

And  let  the  bard  who  frames  th^  harmonious  strain 

Exert  his  getiius  in  a  cheerful  hour. 

For  if  his  own  sensations  are  unlike 

Those  which  he  speaks  of,  neyer  pan  the  wretch 

Who  by  affliction  is  at  home  opprest. 

Give  joy  to  others:  there^s  no  ground  for  this. 

But  you  perhaps  will  ask  me ;  ^'  Passing  a'er 

ff  The  land  of  (5)  Pelops,  why  would  you  impose 

f^  Such  toil  on  the  Athenians  f"  Thisf  reply 

Have  I  a  right  to  make ;  '  The  Spartan  realm 

y  Is  prone  (6)  to  cruelty,  and  in  its  manners 

f  Too  variable,  ita  other  states  are  small 

f  And  destitute  of  strength ;  your  city  only 

'  To  this  emprise  is  equal,  fcr  'tis  wont  •  ' 

*  To  pity  the  distreas'd,  and  hath  in  you 

*  A  valiant  king}  for  want  of  such  a  chief 
f  Have  many  cities  perish-d.^    ■ 

CHORUS. 

I  address  thee 
][n  the  same  langui^e,  to  our  lyoes,  O  Theseus* 
Extend  thy  pity. 

THESEUS. 

I  with  others  erst 


(5)  The  PeV>poiie8i^ 

(6)  Reiskius  obaenres  Umi  tiie  antient  reading  pf  ii  \f4fi  taxAt  be  cMw 
rapt,  Adrastus  being  King  of  Argos,  and  not  of  Sparta,  biit  has  sog* 
gested  nothing  in  its  stead;  Heath,  Markland,  and  Musgiwe,  concufr 
in  substitutiog  uipi'ssva  o^  imikiitis ;  wfa)^  reijAOves  tbe  objectioo. 


THE  SUPPLIANTS.  13 

Have  oil, this  subject  held- a  strong  (7)  dispute; 
For  some  there  ^re  who  say  the  ills  which  wait 
On  man  exqeed  hi%  joys;  but  I:  maintain 
The  contrary  opinion,'that  bur  lives 
More  bliss  than  woe  experience.     For  if  this 
Were  not  the  fact,  we  could  not  still  continue 
To  view  the  sun.    That  God,  whoe'er  he  was 
I  praise,  who  severed  mortals  from  a  life 
Of  wild  confusion,  and. of  brutal  forpe. 
Implanting  reason  first,  and  then  a  tongue 
That  might  by  sounds  articulate  proclaim 
Our  thoughts,  bestowing  fruit  for  food,  and  drops 
Of  rain  descending  from  the  skies,  to  nourish 
Earth's  products,  and  refresh  the  thirst  of  man. 
Yet  more,  fit  coverings,  from  the  wintry. cold 
To  guard  us,  and  Hyperion's. scorching  rays; 
The  art  of  sailing  o'er  the  briny  deep. 
That  we  by  commerce  may  supply  the  wants  . 
Of  distant  regions,  to  these  gifts  by  Heaven 
Is  added ;  things  the  most  obscure,  and  placed 
Beyond  our  knowledge,  can  the  Seer  foretell. 
By  gazing  on  the  flames  which  from  the  altar 
Ascend  the  skies,  the  entr^ils^  of .  the  victims,  * 

And  flight  of  birds.     Are  we  not  then  puff-d  jip 
With  vanity,  if  when  the  Gods^  bestow  ;: 
Conveniencies  like  these  en  Ufe,  we  deem     .  , 
Their  bounty  insufficient?  our  conceit    ' 
Is  such,  we  aim  to  be  more  strong  than  Jove :         :     ; 
Tho*  pride  of  sqiiJi  be.:|ill,that  we  pos^esi^ 
We  in  our.  owa  opinion  are  inore  wi«ie  : .  , 
Than  the  immortal  Powers.    To  me  thou  seem'st     .: 
One  of  thia  noniber,  O  thou  wi:etc.h  devoid 
Of  reason^  to.i^p€illo's  oiystic  voice  >;-       > 

..,.■■■•...■•■.•        .         •  '>  . 

(7)  ^  This  disputation  of  Theseus  is  beautiful,  though  it  may  seem  to 
^  some  rather  abruptly  introduced.  To  tlie  same  purport  was  the  oration 
^  ofThemistoch!«t»elf>reilie8eafightat8a]ami8.  HeixKlotti§,  L.  8.  c.  8$.'* 
Mahklavd.  .       > 


14  THE  SUPPLlANtS. 

Yielding  blind  deference,  who  thy  Daaghters  gavV 
To  foreign  Lords^  as  if  the  Gods  were  sway'd 
By  human  passions.    Thy  illustrious  blood 
With  foul  pollution  mingling,  thine  own  house 
Thus  hast  thou  wounded.     Never  should  the  wise 
In  leagues  of  inauspicious  wedlock  yoke 
Just  and  unjust :  but  prosperous  friends  obtain 
Against  the  hour  of  danger.     Jove  to  all 
One  common  fate  dispensing,  oft  involves 
In  the  calamities  which  guilt  draws  down 
Upon  the  sinner,  him  who  ne*er  transgressed. 
But  thou  by  leading  forth  that  Argive  host 
To  battle,  tho'  the  Seers  in  vain  forbad. 
Despising  eafch  omcular  response, 
And  wilfully  regardless  of  the  Gods, 
Hast  caus'd  thy  country's  ruin,  overrul'd 
By  those  young  men  who  place  their  sole  delight 
In  glory,  and  promote  unrighteous  wars. 
Corrupting  a  whole  city;  this  aspires         ... 
To  the  command  of  armies,  by  the  pomp 
Attending  those  who  hold  the  reins  of  power 
A  iecond  is  corrupted;  some  there  are- 
Studious  of  filthy  lucre,  who  regard  not 
What  mischief  to  the  public  may  ensue. 
Three  ranks  there  are  of  citizetos ;  the  rich. 
Useless,  and  ever  grasping  after  more ; 
While  they,  who  have  no  property,  add  lack 
E'en  necessary  food,  by  fierce  despair' 
And  envy  actuated,  send  forth  their  stings' 
Against  the  wealthy,  by  th'  insidious  tongue 
Of  some  malignant  demagogue  beguiled : 
But  of  these  three  the  middle  rank  consists  '■'■'• 

Of  those  who  save  their  country^  and  enforce       '- 
Each  wholesome  usage  which  the  state  ordains. 
Shall  1  then  be  thy  champion  i  what  pretence 
That  would  sound  honourably  can  I  allege 
To  gain  my  countrymen  ?  depart  in  peace ! 


THE  SUPPLIANTS.  u 

For  baleful  are  the  counsels  thou  hast  given 
That  we  should  urge  prosperity  too  far, 

CHORUS. 

He  did  amiss :  but  the  great  erfpr  rests 
(8)  Oq  those  young  men,  and  he  deserves  thy  pjirdon, 

ADRASTUS. 

I  have  not  chosen  you  to  be  the  judge 
Of  my  afflictions,  but  to  you,  O  King, 
As  a  physician  con^;  nor,  if  convicted 
Of  having  donie  amiss,  to  an  avenger 
Or  an  opprobrious  censor,  but  a  friend  .  * 

Who  will  afford  his  help:-  if  you  refuse 
To  act  this  igenerous  part,  to  your  decision    . 
I  must  submit:  for  what  resource  have  If 
But,  O  ye  venerable  Dame39  retire 
Leaving  those  verdant  branches  here  behind, 
And  call  to  witness  the  celestial  powers. 
The  fruitful  Earth  with  Ceres  lifting  high 
Her  torcb>  and  that  exhausttess  source  of  light 
The  Sun ;  that  we  by  all  the  Gods  in  vain 
Conjur'd  you  (9).    (It  i»  pious  to  relieve 


'  i 


(8)  Instead  of  havu^  recourse  to  any  of  the  varioqs  co^ectural  r«M^' 
ings  in  the  stead  of  y(«(,  with  which  I  have  .crowded  tlie  margin  ;of  q^. 
copy  of  Barnes's  edition,  I  am  inclined  to'  consider  the  expression  as  par* 
ticolarly  Just  and  forcible.  Th^sens  in  the  ]|>recediBg  speech  ifepresents 
Adrasttts  as  seduced  bj  those  ifwng  men  who  cause  the -ruin  of  «  nation 
by  plmiging  it  into  nivjust  wars  to  serve  their  own  ambitious  pnrpOjMS* 
The  Chorus  in  their  reply  admit  that  he  was  to  blame,  but  that  the  main 
fault  lay  in  those  young  men,  having  it  is  most  probable  particularly  in 
view  Polynices  and  Tydeos,  to  wlwm  yke  find  in  the  Phceinssse,  v.'  430, 
that  Adrastus  boui^  himself  by  m  oath  td  reinstate  them  in  tfadr  king^ 
doms,  and  thus  involved  his  own  country  in  ruin  to  support  bis  sons  in  l^w«t 

(9)  The  passage  included  in  a  parerUhesis  is  translated  from  three  lipeiSi 
wtdeh '  ilrst  made  their  appearance '  in  an  anticnt  edition  I  hkVe  never 
been  able  to  meet  with,  wliich  is  without  date  of  y^ar  or  pkee/hat  sifp«^ 
posed  to  have  been  printed  at  Francfort,  by  Peter  Brobach,  whose  le^ 
tion  of  Sophocles  was  pubfishedin  1544;  being  omitted  by  subsequent 
editors,  they  were  unknown  to  most  readers  of  Euripides  till  Reiskiiit 
inserted  them  in  his  obse^fwUions  on  this  Author,  priuted  at  Leipsic  Itb^ 
Mr»  Markkind  has  ^ven  me  the  examyple  of  thus  inserting  them  in  .tbt 
text,  and  Dr»  Mosgrave  has  admitted  them  in  his  notes ;  Bunet  appem 


16  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

Those  who  unjustly  suffer,  and  the  tears 

OF  these  your  hapless  kindred  are  you  bound 

To  reverence,  for  your  Mother  was  the  Daughter 

X)f  Piiheus)  Pelops'  Son  ;  born  in  that  land 

Which  bears  the  name  of  PeJops,  we  partake 

One  origin  uith  you :  will  you  betray 

These  sacred  ties,  and  from  your  reaJm  cast  forth 

Yon  hoary  supphants,  nor  alkiw.  the  boon 

Which  at  your  hands  they  merits  act  not  thus;  • 

For  in  the  rocks  hath  the  wild  beast  a  place 

Of  refuge,  in  tlie  altars  of  the  Gods    *  • 

The  slave  :  a  city  harrass'd  by  the  storm 

Flies  to  some  neighbouring  city :  .  for  there's  nought 

On  earth  that  meets  with  everlasting  bliss* 

CHORUS.    • 
Rise,  hapless  woman,  from  thishallow'd  fane 
Of  Proserpine,  to  meet  him  ;   clasp  his  knees,    ' 
Entreat  him  to  bestow  funereal  rites 
On  our  slain  Sons,  whom  in  the  bloom  of  youth 
Beneath  the  walls  of  Thebes  i  lost :   my  Friends, 
Lift  fiom  the  ground,  support  me,'  bear  along, 
Sti"etch  forth  these  miserable,  these  aged  hands. 
Theei  O  thou  most  belov'd  and  most  renownM 
Of  Greciim  chiefs,  I  by  that  beard  conjure. 
While  at  thy  knees  thus  prostrate,  on  the  ground 
I  for  my  Sons,  a  wretched  sui^pliant  sue, 
Or,  lifcfe  some  helpless  vagabond,  pour  forth 
The  warbled  lamentation.     Generous  Youth, 
Thee.  1  entreat,  let  not  my  Sons,  whose  age 
Was  but  the  same  with  thine,  in  Thebes  remain 
Uttburied,  for  the  sport  of  savage  beasts ! 
Behold,  what  tears  stream  from  these  swimming  eye^ 
As  thus  J  kneel  befote  thee,  to  procure, 
For  my  sliiin  bons,  an  honorable  grave. 

to  have  been  a  stnnger  to  this  passage,  and  never  to  have  seen  Brabach*s 
odhion,  bat  his  own  conjecture  supplied  a  verse  veiy  nearly  sunllar  tO' 
lbe'lail<>f  liietturee,  asnecettary.toiillup  theduisnu  " 


.  I.' 


4'  J  •  I  . 


THE  SUPPLIANTS.  17 

■THESEUS. 

Why,  O  my  Mother,  do  you  shed  the  tear. 
Covering  your  eyes  with  that  transparent  veil? 
Is  it  because  you  heard  their  plaints  ?  i  too 
Am  much  affected*     Kuise  your  hoary  head. 
Nor  weep  while  seated  at  the  holy  altar 
Of  Ceres. 

.XTHRA. 


Ah! 


For  their  afflictions^ 


THESEUS. 

You  ought  not  thus  to  groan 


iETHRA. 

O  ye  wretobed  Dames ! 

THESEUS. 

You  are  tiot  one  of  them*     . 

.ffiTHRA, 

Shall  I  propose 
A  scheme,  my  Son,  your  glory  to  encrease. 
And  that  of  Athens? 

THESEUS.       ' 

Wisdom  oft  hath  flow*d 
From  female  Iipi> , 

JETHRA. 
I  meditated  words 
Of  such  importance,  that  they  make  me  pajase. 

THESEUS. 

You  speak  amiss,  we  from  our  friends  should  hide 
Nought  that  is  useful. 

JETHRA. 

If  1  now  were  mute. 
Myself  hereafter  might  I  justly  blame 
For  keeping  a  dishonourable  silence. 
Nor  thro*  the  fear  lest  eloquence  should  prove 
Of  no  effect,  when  issuing  from  the  mouth 
Of  a  weak  woman,  will  I  thus  forego 
An  honourable  task*    My  Son,  I  first 

VOL.  II.  c 


1»  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

Exhort  you  to  regard  the  will  of  Heaven, 

Lest  thro'  neglectsjrou  err,  else  will  you  fail 

In  this  one  point,  though  you  in  all  beside 

Think  rightly.    I  morebver  still  had  kept 

My  temper  calm,  if  to  redress  the  wrongs 

Which  they  endure,  an  enterprising  soul 

Had  not  been  requisite.    But  now,  my  Sou, 

A  field  of  glory  opens  to  your  view. 

Nor  these  bold  counsels  scruple  I  to  urge 

That  by  your  conquering  arm  you  would  com  pell 

Those  men  of  violence,  who  from  the  slain 

Withhold  their  just  inheritance  a  tomb. 

Such  necessary  duty  to  perform, 

And  quell  those  impious  miscreants  who  confound 

The  usages  established  through  all  Greece : 

For  the  firm  bond  which  peopled  cities  holds 

In  union,  is  th'  observance  of  the  laws. 

But  some  there  are  who  will  assert,  **  that  fear 

*'  Effeminately  caused  thee  to  forego 

"  Those  wreaths  of  fame  thy  country  might  have  gain'd; 

"  Erst  with  a  (10)  bristled  mdnster  of  the  woods 

''  Didst  thou  engage,  nor  shun  th'  inglorious  strife : 

'^  But  now  caird  forth  to  face  the  burnish'd  helm 

*^  And  pointed  spear  art  found  to  be  a  dastard  •*' 

Let  not  my  Son  act  thus :  your  native  land. 

Which  for  a  want  of  prudence  hath  been  scorn'd. 

You  see,  tremendous  as  a  Gorgon,  rear 

Its  front  against  the  seorner :  for  it  grows 

Under  the  pressure  of  severest  toils. 

The  deeds  of  peaceful  cities  are  obscure. 

And  caution  bounds  their  views.    Will  you  not  march, 

My  Son,  to  succour  the  illustrious  dead. 


(10)  A  wild  Sow,  named  Pbsea,  which  infested  the  fields  of  Cromyon 
near  CorinUi.  Phitarch  speaks  of  Theseus'  slaying  this  beast  as  one  of 
Kis  earliest  exploits;  and  Ovid  as  one  of  those  by  which  he  proved  him- 
self a  bene&ctor  to  mankind*  $trabo  calls  this  Sow  Mother  to  Uie  G%^ 
lydonian  Boar  which  was  killed  by  MelMfer,  "• 


THE  SUPPLIANTS.  j^ 

And  these  afflicted  Matrons  i  for  your  safety 
1  fear  not,  while  with  justice  you  go  forth 
To  battle.    Though  I  now  on  Cadmus'  Sons     * 
Behold  auspicious  Fortune  smile,  I  trust 
They  will  ere  long  experience  the  reverse 
Of  her  unstable  die :  for  she  o'erturn 
All  that  is  great  and  glorious. 

CHORUS. 

Dearest  ^thra. 
Well  didst  thou  plead  Adrastus'  cause  and  mine :      - 
Hence  twofold  joy  I  feel. 

THESEUS. 

He  hath  deserved 

0  Mother,  the  severe  reproofs  which  fiow'd 
From  my  indignant  tongue,  and  I  my  thoughts 
Of  those  pernicious  counsels  whence  arose 
His  ruin,  have  express'd.    Yet  I  perceive 
What  you  suggest,  that  ill  would  it  becou^ 
The  character  I  have  maintain'd,  to  fly 

From  danger.    After  many  glorious  deeds 

Atchiev'd,  among  the  Greeks,  I  chose  this  office/ 

An  exemplary  punishment  t*  inflict 

On  all  the  wicked.    Therefore  from  no  toils 

Can  I  shrink  back,  for  what  would  those  who  hate  vont 

Have  to  allege,  when  you  who  gave  me  birth. 

And  tremble  for  my  safety,  are  the  first 

Who  bid  me  enter  on  the  bold  emprise  i 

1  on  this  errand  go,  and  will  redeem 

The  dead  by  words  persuasive,  or  if  words 

Are  ineffectual,  with  protended  spear. 

And  in  an  instant,  if  the  envious  Gods 

Refuse  not  their  assistance.    But  I  wish 

That  the  whole  city  may  a  sanction  give : 

They  to  my  pleasure  their  assent  would  yield ; 

But  to  the  scheme,  if  I  propose  it  first 

To  be  debated,  I  shall  find  the  pieople 

More  favourable :  for  them  I  made  supreme^  ^ 

c  2 


20  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

And  on  this  city,  with  an  equal  right 
For  all  to  vote>  its  freedom  have  bestow'd. 
Taking  Adrastus  with  me  for  a  proof 
Of  my  assertions,  midst  the  crowd  I'll  go. 
And  when  I  have  persuaded  them,  collecting 
A  chosen  squadron  of  Athenian  youths. 
Hither  return,  and  halting  under  arn^. 
To  Creon  send  a  message  to  request 
The  bodies  of  the  slain.     But  from  my  Mother, 
Ye  aged  Dames,  those  holy  boughs  remove. 
That  I  may  take  her  by  that  much-lov'd  hand. 
And  to  the  royal  dome  of  ^geus  lead. 
Vile  is  that  Son,  who  to  his  parents  yields 
No  grateful  services,  for,  from  his  children^ 
He  who  such  glorious  tribute  pays,  receives 
Whate'er  through  filial  duty  he  bestow'd* 

CHORUS. 

ODE. 

I.     1- 

O  Argos,  fam'd  for  steeds,  my  native  plain. 
Sure  thou,  with  all  Pelasgia's  wide  domain. 
Hast  heard  the  King's  benevolent  design, 

And  wilt  in  grateful  strains  revere  the  Powers  Divine, 

I.  2. 
May  Theseus  put  an  end  to  all  my  woes. 
Rescuing  those  bloody  corses  from  our  foes 
Still  objects  of  maternal  love  ;  his  aid 

Shall  by  th'  Inachian  realm's  attachment  be  repaid. 

n.  1. 

To  pious  deeds  belongs  a  mighty  name, 
And  cities  sav*d  procure  eternal  fame. 
Will  he  do  this;  with  us  in  friendship  join. 
And  to  the  peaceful  tomb  our  slaughtered  Sons  consign  i 

n.  2. 

Minerva's  town,  support  a  Mother's  cause. 
Thou  from  pollution  canst  preserve  the  laws 


THE  SUPPLIANTS.  21 

Which  man  holds  sacred,  thou  rever'st  the  right, 
Sett'st  the  afflicted  free,  and  quell'st  outrageous  might, 

THESEUS,  ADRASTUS,  CHORUS. 

THESEUS  TO  A  Herald. 

Thou,  always  pracnising  this  art,  has  servM 
Thy  eity,  and  to  various  regions  borne 
My  embassies :  when  therefore  thou  hast  crossed 
Asopus,  and  Ismenos'  stream,  address 
The  Tlieban  Monarch  in  these  courteous  words ; 
*'  Theseus,   who  dwells  in  an  adjacent  realm, 
^^  And  hath  a  right  such  favour  to  receive, 
'^   Requests  you  as  a  friend  t'  inter  the  dead, 
"  And  gain  the  love  of  all  Erectheus'  race.'* 
To  this  petition  if  they  yield  assent, 
Come  back  again  in  peace :  if  they  refuse, 
Thy  second  message  shall  be  this;   *'  My  band 
*^  Of  chosen  youths  in  glittering  mail  array*d 
*'  They  must  expect :  fur  at  the  sacred  fount 
^'  Callichore,   e'en  now  the  assembled  host 
"  Halts  under  arms,  prepai^d  for  instant  fight." 
For  in  this  arduous  enterprise,  witb  zeal 
The  city  of  its  own  accord  engag'd, 
When  they  perceiv'd  my  wish.     But  who  intrude* 
E'en  while  I  yet  am  speaking?  he  appears 
To  be  a  Theban  Herald,  though  I  doubt  it. 
Stay;  for  thy  errand  he  may  surpersede, 
And  by  his  coming  obviate  my  designs. 

THEBAN  HERALD,  THESEUS,  ADRASTUS, 

CHORUS. 

THEBAN  HERALD. 

Who  is  the  sovereign  ruler  of  this  land? 
To  whom  must  1  unfold  the  message  sent 
By  Creon  who  presides  o'er  the  domains 
Of  Cadmus,  «ince  beforje  Th.cbes'  seven-fold  gates 


St  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

Slain  by  his  Brother  Poly  nicks'  hand 
Eteocles  expir'd  i 

THESEUS. 

With  an  untruth 
Thy  speech^  O  stranger^  bast  thou  op'd  by  asking 
For  a  King  here;  for  Athens,  this  free  city. 
By  no  one  man  is  govern 'd,  but  the  people 
Rule  in  succession  year  bj^  year ;  to  wealth 
No  piefererice  is  aIlow'd>  but  the  poor  man 
An  equal  share  of  empire  doth  possess. 

THEBAN  HERALD. 

By  yielding  up  this  point,  to  me  you  grant 
Advantage  such  as  equals  the  first  throw 
At  dice ;  the  city  whence  I  came  is  rul'd 
By  one  man  only,  not  by  multitudes: 
No  crafty  orator  with  specious  words 
For  his  own  interest  turns  the  wavering  minds 
Of  its  inhabitants,  this  moment  dear 
To  all  around,  and  lavish  of  his  favours. 
The  next  a  public  bane,  yet  he  conceals 
By  some  fresh  calumny  his  errors  past. 
And  scapes  the  stroke  of  justipe.    How  can  they 
Who  no  sound  judgements  form,  the  people,  guide 
A  city  well  i  for  Time  instead  of  Haste 
Affords  the  best  instructions.    But  the  man 
Who  tills  the  ground,  by  poverty  deprest. 
If  to  that  poverty  he  add  the  want 
Of  due  experience,  through  the  manual  toils 
He  is  engag'd  in,  to  the  public  good 
Can  ne'er  look  up.    Thoso  too  of  noble  birth 
Are  much  disgusted  when  the  worthless  hold 
Posts  of  the  highest  rank,  apd  he  who  erst 
Was  nothing,  with  his  tongue  beguiles  the  crowd, 

TflESEUS. 

This  witty  Herald  to  his  message  adds 
The  flowers  of  eloquence.     But  on  this  strife 
Since  thou  bast  enter'd,  h^^r  me ;  for  'twas  thou 


THE  SUPPLIANTS.  aa 

That  gav'st  the  cfaallenge  to,  debate :  no  corsft 
(11)  Is  greater  to  a  city  than  a  King. 
For  first  wheree'er  no  Taws  exist  which  bind 
The  whole  commaiiity,  and  one  man  roles. 
Upon  his  arbitrary  will  alone 
Depend  the  laws,  and  all  thy  rights  are  lost* 
But  under  written  laws  the  poor  and  rich 
An  equal  justice  find ;  and  if  reproached, 
They  of  low  station  may  with  equal  scorn 
Answer  the  taunting  arrogance  of  wealth; 
I  And  an  inferior^  if  his  cause  be  just^^ 
Conquers  the  powerful.    This  too  is  a  mark 
Of  freedom,  where  the  man  who  can  propose 
Some  wholesome  counsel  for  the  public  weal> 
Is  by  the  herald  called  upon  to  speak. 
Then  he  who  with  a  generous  zeal  accepts 
Such  offer/  gains  renown ;   but  be  who  likes  not 
His  thoughts  to  utter,  still  continues  mute. 
How  can  a  city  be  ladminister'd 
With  more  equality  ?  whefee*er  the  people 
Are  sovereigns  of  the  land,  a  rising  race 
Of  heroes  gives  them  joy;  but  these  a  King 
Esteems  his  foes;  the  brave,  with  those  who  bear 
The  character  of  wise,   he  slays,  still  trembling 
For  his  ill-gotten  power.     How  can  that  city 
On  a  firm  basis  stand,  where  valiant  youths. 
Like  the  green  sheaf  cut  from  the  vernal  mead. 
Are  in  their  bloom  mown  down  ?   why  then  acquire 
Large  fortunes  for  our  children,  to  augment 
The  treasures  of  a  king  ?  or  why  train  up 
Our  virgin  Daughters  with  an  anxious  care,  / 

Merely  to  gratify,  the  loose  desires 

(11)  ^^  The  word  TVQume  here  evidently  meant  a  King,  for  he  is  caUed 
"  fieujiKrjCy  v.  444 ;  and  the  dispute  is  about  Monarchy,  or  the  power  of 
*'  one  man  compared  with  a  Democracy :  though  in  some  places  the 
*^  Poet  may  seem  to  confound  Royalty  with  Tyranny ;  in  order,  I  appr«- 
M  bend,  to  place  it  in  a  more  inyidious  ligfaC    Marksano* 


U  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

Of  an  im}>^rioD8  Monarch,  and  cause  tears 
To  stream  from  their  fond  Parents?    May  1  end 
My  life,  ere  these  indignant  eyes  behold 
Tlie  violation  of  my  Daughter's  honour  ! 
Thus  far  in  answer  to  thy  speech. —  Now  say. 
What  claims  hast  thou  to  make  on  this  domain f 
Wert  thou  not  hither  by  thy  city  sent, 
Thou,  the  impertinent  harangues  thou  cam'st 
To  utter,  should'st  bewail.     A  mesgeuger 
When  he  hath  spoken  what  his  lords  enjoin. 
Ought  to  depart  with  speed.     Next  time  let  Creon 
A  less  loquacious  messenger  dispatch 
To  the  Athenian  land. 

CHORUS.  . 

Alas!    when  Fortune 
Profusely  showers  her  gifts  upon  the  wicked,      ;  , 
How  insolent  they  are,  as  if  they  deem'd 
They  should  for  ever  prosper ! 

THEBAN  HERALD. 

I  will  iiow 
Speak*  what  I  have  in  charge  ;  your  thoughts  indeed 
Differ  from  mine  on  these  contested  points; 
But  I  and  all  the  Theban  race  pronounce 
This  interdict:   let  not  Adrastus  enter 
The  land,  or  if  he  be  already  here. 
Ere  yon  bright  chariot  of  the  Sun  descends. 
Regardless  of  these  mystic  branches  borne 
By  suppliant  matrons,  drive  him  from  the  realm. 
Nor  furiously  attempt  to  take  away 
The  slain  by  force,  for  in  the  Argive  state 
You  have  no  interest.     If  to  rny  advice 
You  yield  due  credence;  by  no  boisterous  waves 
Overtaken  in  your  course,  you  cross  the  deep 
Shall  sail  your  Nation's  pilot,  else  the  storm 
Of  direful  war  shall  burst  on  us  and  you, 
And  your  allies.     Deliberate  well,  nor  give 
An  haughty  answer,  by  my  words  provoked. 


THE  SUPPLIANTS.  25 

And  of  the  freedom  of  your  city  vain  : 

For  a  reliance  on  superior  miglit 

Is  most  pernicious,  ,oft  h^th  it  embroil'd 

Contending  states,  and  rous'd  immoderate  ire. 

For  when  whole  cities  by  their  votes  decide 

In  favour  of  a  war,  there's  not  a  man 

Exprcts  to  [lerish  ;  all  avert  the  doom 

Which  threats  their  own,  upon  another's  head. 

But  while  they  give  their  suffrages,   if  Death 

Were  present  to  their  eyes,  Greece  ne'er  had  ow'd 

Its  ruin  to  a  frantic  lust  for  war. 

We  all  know  how  to  choose  the  better  part. 

Distinguish  good  from  ill,  and  are  aware 

That  Peace,  the  benefactress  of  mankind  (12) 

Is  preferable  to  war,  by  every  Muse 

Held  justly  dear,  and  to  the  fiends  of  Hell 

A  foe,   in  population  she  delights, 

And  wealth  abundant:  but  these  blessings  slightingj, 

We  wickediv  embark  in  needless  wars; 

A  man  to  servitude  consigns  the  man 

His  afms  subdu'd,  on  citv  the  same  doom 

City  imposes.     But  you  aid  our  foes 

E'en  after  they  are  dead,  and  would  inter 

With  pomp  funereal  those  who  owe  their  fate 

(12)  An  imitation  of  this  passage  occurred  wherfi  I  should  t>y  110 
means  have  tiiought  of  searching  for  it. 

Earipides  tragicae  que  gloria  prima  Camoenx, 

Pacem  describens,  "  opulentam*'  tumque  "  beatani'* 

Nominat  h»c  addens  :  "  inter  pulcherrima  Divas." 

Atque  alibi  "  quantum  beilo  potiorque  serena 

*'  Sit  Pax  in  primis  qui  Musas  promovet  ahnas 

'^  Luctibus  ac  adversatur,  sobolisque  suavi 

"  Dexteritate,  hinc  atque  opibus  congaudet  opimis  * 

Leland.  Encom.  Pacis,  p.  8.  ed.  Lond.  1546,  and  reprinted  in  his  Col- 
lectanea, V.  5.  p.  75.  ed.  Lond.  1770.  The  Antiquarian  Bard  has  evident- 
ly translated  his  four  last  lines  from  hence^  and  KaWuo-ra  fAuxafv^  Beta 
in  tlie  fragiuent  of  our  Author's  Cresphontes,  v.  15,  may  have  fumi»\ed 
him  with  tlie  expression  <'  inter  pulcherrima  Divans." 


26  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

To  their  own  arrogance.    Forsooth^  you  deem 
That  justice  was  infringed,  when  smok'd  the  body 
Of  frantic  Capaneus^  by  thunder  smitten^ 
Upon  that  ladder^  whieh  he  at  the  gates 
Erecting,  swore  he  would  lay  waste  our  city. 
Or  with  dread  Jove's  consent,  or  in  despite 
Of  the  vindictive  Gt)d  :  nor  should  th'  abyss 
Have  snatch'd  away  that  (13)  Augur,  swallowing  up 
His  chariot  in  the  caverns  of  the  earth  : 
Kor  was  it  fitting  that  those  other  Chiefs 
Should  at  the  gates  lie  breathless,  with  their  limbs 
Disjointed  by  huge  stones ;  boast  that  your  wisdom 
Transcends  e*en  that  of  Jove  himself,  or  own 
The  Gods  may  punish  sinners.     It  behoves 
Those  who  are  wise,  to  love  their  children  first. 
Their  aged  parents  next,  and  native  land. 
Whose  growing  fortunesu  they  are  bound  t'  improve. 
And  not  dismember  it.    In  him  who  leads 
An  host,  or  pilot  station'd  at  the  helm, 
Bashness  is  dangerous:  he  who  by  discretion 
His  conduct  regulates,  desists  in  time. 
And  caution  I  esteem  the  truest  valour. 

iADRASTUS. 

The  vengeance  Jove  inflicted  on  our  crime* 
Should  have  sufiic'd :  but  it  behoves  not  thee. 
Thou  most  abandoned  miscreant,  to  insult  us 
With  contumelious  words. 

THESEUS. 

Adrastus,  peace ! 
Restrain  thy  tongue,  and  in  my  speech,  forbear 
To  interrupt  me :  for  this  Herald  brings 
For  thee  no  embassy,  but  comes  to  me, 
And  I  must  ans^^er — First  will  I  confute 
The  bold  assertion  which  thou  first  didst  make. 
I  own  not  the  authority  of  Crebn, 
N*ir  can  he  by  superior  might  enforce 

(13)  Amphialreiis. 


THE  SUPPLIANTS,  «/ 

From  Athens  tbese  submissions:  to  ili  source 

The  river  shall  flow  upward  ere  we  yield 

To  base  compulsion.     I  am  not  the  cause 

Of  this  destructi\5c  wai- ;  nor  did  I  enter 

The  realms  of  Cadmus  with  those  armed  band% 

But  to  inter  the  bodies  of  the  slain 

(No  violence  to  Thebes,  no  bloody  strife 

Commencing),  is,  I  deem,  an  act  of  justice. 

And  authorized  by  the  established  laws 

Of  every  Grecian  state.     In  what  respect 

Have  I  transgress'd  ?  if  from  those  Argive  chiefs 

Ye  suffered  aught,  they  perish'd  :  on  yourJbes 

With  glory  ye  aveng'd  yourselves,  and  shame 

To  them  ensued.     No  longer  any  right 

Have  ye  to  punish.    O'er  the  dead  let  dust 

Be  strewn,  and  every  particle  revert 

Back  to  its  antient  seat  whence  into  (14)  lif(^ 

It  migrated,  the  soul  ascend  to  Heaven, 

The  body  mix  with  earth :  for  we  possess^ 

By  no  sure  tenure,  this  decaying  frame. 

But  for  a  dwelling  merely,  through  the  space 

Of  life's  short  day,  to  us  doth  it  belong. 

And  after  our  decease,  the  foodful  ground 

Which  nourish'd,  should  receive  it  back  again. 

Think'st  thou  the  wrong  thou  dost,  when  thou  deniest 

Interment  to  the  dead,  confin'd  toArgos? 

Ho ;  'tis  a  common  insult  to  all  Greece, 

* 

(14)  An  obvious  tautology  is  avoided  by  reading  ^in  instead  of  ^ufi*, 
«8  proposed  by  Mr.  Tonp  in  his  Emend,  in  Suidam,  and  Dr.  Musgrave 
in  bis  note  on  this  passage.  The  following  passage  of  Lucretius  is  noticed 
as  exactly  similar  vdth  this  part  of  Theseusf  speech  in  Bnripides,  by 
Barthius  in  his  Adversaria,  and  a  note  of  Ttoaquil  Faber  in  Haver- 
eanip*s  edition  of  Lucretius; 

Cedit  item  retro,  de  Terr^  quod  fiiit  ante. 
In  Terras ;  &  quod  missum  est  ex  aetheris  oris 
Id  rursum  Cseli  fiilgentia  templa  receptant* 

Both  the  Greek  and  Latin  Poet  are  supposed  to  have  taken  the  thought 
^m  the  writings  of  the  Philosopher  Epicharmus. 


28  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

When  of  due  obsequies  bereft,  the  slain 

Are  left  without  a  tomb :  the  brave  would  lose 

Their  courage,  sh(»uld  such  usages  prevaik 

Com'st  thou  to  threaten  nie  in  haughty  strain^ 

Yet  meanly  fear'st  to  let  the  scattered  mold 

Cover  the  dead  ?  what  mischiefs  can  ensue? 

Will  they,  when  buried^  uudermine  your  walU, 

Or  in  earth's  hollow  caves  beget  a  ra,ce 

Of  children  able  to  avenge  their  wrongs? 

Absurdly  hast  thou  lavished  many  words 

In  base  and  groundless  terrors.     O  ye  fools, 

Go  make  yourselves  acquainted  witli  the  woes 

To  which  mankind  are  subject.     Human  life 

Is  but  a  conflict :  some  there  are  whose  bliss 

Ajjproaches  them,  while  that  of  others  waits 

•Till  a  long  future  season,  others  taste 

Of  present  joys :  capricious  Fortune  sports 

With  all  her  anxious  votaries;  through  a  hope 

Of  better  times  to  her  the  wretched  pay 

Their  homage ;  he  who  is  already  blest 

ExtoUs  her  matchless  bounty  to  the  skies,  ' 

And  trembles  lest  the  veering  gale  forsake  him. 

But  we  who  know  by  what  precarious  tenure 

We  hold  her  gifts,  should  bear  a  trifling  wrong 

With  patience,  and,  if  we  the  narrow  bounds 

Of  justice  overleap,  abstain  from  crimes 

Which  harm  our  country.     If  thou  ask,  what  means 

This  prelude?  I  reply;  to  us  who  wish 

To  see  them  laid  in  earth  with  holy  rites. 

Consign  the  weltering  corses  of  the  slain. 

Else  is  it  clear  what  mischiefs  must  ensue^ 

I  will  go  forth,  and  bury  them  by  force. 

For  'mong  the  Greeks  it  never  shall  be  said 

This  ( I6),antient  law,  which  from  the  Gods  receiv'd 

-(l^)  The  law  here  allnded  to  is  probably  that  mentioned  by  JElian, 
Var.  Hist.  L.  5,  c  14.  Nofx«f  %bu  tfhs  ATrtMC  «ff  «v  «wwfto  'gt^nyit  (nuf^xivt 
tcS^Hy  vanrrxg  nri^uy  a\m>  7*9,    '<  This  also  is  an  Athenian  law,  that 


THE  SUPPLIANTS.  99 

Its  sanction  :  though  transmitted  down  to  me 
And  to  the  city  where  Pandion  rul^d. 
Was  disregarded, 

CHORUS. 

Courage!  while  the  light 
Of  justice  is  thy  guide^  thou  shalt  escape 
Th'  invidious  censures  of  a  busy  crowd. 

THEBAN  HERALD. 

May  I  comprise  in  a  few  words  the  whole 
Of  our  debate  ? 

THESEUS. 
Speak  whatsoe'er  thou  wilt : 
For  no  discreet  restraint  thy  tonguet  e'er  knew. 

THEBAN  HERALD. 

The  corses  of  those  Argives  youths,  from  Thebes 
You  never  shall  remove. 

THESEUS. 

Now  to  my  answer 
Attend,  if  thou  art  so  dispos'd. 

THEBAN  HERALD. 

I  will: 
For  in  your  turn  I  ought  to  hear  you  speak. 

THESEUS. 
On  the  deceas'd  will  I  bestow  a  grave, 
When  I  have  borne  their  relicks  from  the  land 
Wash*d  by  Asopus'  stream. 


'^  whoever  meets  witii  the  unbnried  body  of  a  roan,  shiUl  be  indispen- 
^^  sably  bound  to  cast  earth  over  it "  In  the  Antigone  of  Sophocles^  the 
Messenger,  speaking  of  Polynices'  ,cor8C,  says, 

Li^t  lay  the  scattered  earth 
As  only  meant  f  avoid  th'  imputed  curse.  Franklin. 

The  same  idea  prevailed  among  the  Romans :  and  we  find  the  ghost  of 
Archytas  in  Horace  threatening  the  Mariner  witli  the  vengeance  of  Hea- 
ven against  both  himself  and  his  posterity,  if  he  neglected  the  pious 
office  of  strewing  du^t  over  his  shipwrecked  corse,  which  the  waves  had 
cast  upon  the  shore. 


so  tHE  SUPPLIANTS. 

THEBAN  n&iAUy^ 

In  combat  firsff 
Great  hazard*?  mvLSt  you  brave. 

THESEUS. 

Unnumbered  toils? 
Have  I  ere  now  in  other  wars  endur'd. 

*      THEBAN  HERALD. 

Was  there  to  you  transmitted  from  your  Sife 
Sufficient  strength  to  cope  vfkh  evety  foe  i  - 

THESEUS. 

With  every  villain :  for  on  virtuous  deeds 
No  punishment  would  I  inflict. 

THEBAN  HERALD. 

Both  you 
And  Athens  have  been  woi^t  in  various  matters 
To  interfere. 

THESEUS. 
To  many  a  bold  emprise 
She  owes  the  prosperous  fortunes  she  enjoys^ 

THEBAN  HERA£.D. 

Come  on,  that  soon  as  you  attempt  to  enter 
Our  gatesj  the  Theban  lance  may  lay  you  low.. 

THESEUS. 

Can  any  valiant  champion  froni  the  teeth 
Of  a  slain  Dragon  spring  i 

THEBAN  HERALD. 

This  to  your  cost 
Shall  you  experiexice,  tho*^  you  still  retain 
The  rashness  which  untutored  youth  inspires. 

THESEUS. 

By  thy  presumptuous  language,  thoti  my  soul 
To  anger  canst  not  rouse:  but  from  this  land 
Depart,  and  carry  back  those  empty  words 
With  which  thou  hither  cam'st :  for  we  in  vain 
Have  held  this  conference.     \_Exit  thbban  heralx>« 

Mow  must  we  collect 
Our  numerous  infantry  in  arms  array'dj 


THE  SUPPLUNTS.  Si 

iVith  all  who  mount  the  chariot,  aud  the  steed 

Caparison'dy  his  mouth  distilling  foam, 

Urge  to  the  Theban  realm  ;  for  I  will  march 

tJp  to  the  seven-fold  gates  by  Cadmus  reared 

(l6)  This  arm  sustaining  a  protended  spear. 

And  be  myself  the  Herald.     But  stay  here, 

Adf  astus,  I  command  thee ;  nor  with  mine 

Blend  thy  disastrous  fortunes  ;  for  the  host 

I  under  happier  auspices  will  lead 

To  the  embattled  field,  renown'd  in  war. 

And  fumish'd  with  the  spear  to  which  I  owe 

My  glories.    I  need  only  one  thing  more. 

Help  from  the  gods,  who  are  the  friends  of  justice: 

For  where  all  these  advaptages  concur. 

They  to  bur  better  cause  ensure  success  i 

But  valour's  of  no  service  to  mankind 

Unless  propitious  Jove  his  influence  lend. 

lExil  THE8BU6. 
ADRASTITS. 

Unhappy  Mothers  of  those  hapless  chiefs. 
How  doth  pale  fear  disturb  this  anxious  breast ! 

CHORUS. 

What  new  alarm  is  this  thou  giv'st? 

ADRASTUS. 

The  host 
Of  Pallas  our  great  contest  will  decide, 

CHORUS. 

By  force  of  arms,  or  conference^  dost  thou  mean  i 

ADRASTUS. 

Twere  better  thus ;  but  slaughter,  the  delight 

(16)  Camielli  in  his  Italian  version  has  thrown  this  line  into  a  paren- 
thesis,  Markland  had  on  conjecture  altered  mnog  ipse  into  avvu  hie ;  but 
in  his  note  gives  the  preference  to  Reiskius's  arrangement,  who  carries  it 
two  lines  backward,  Dn  Musgrave,  whom  I  have  fqllowed,  brings  it 
one  line  tbrward,  and  by  so  doing  gives  I  think  greater  force  and 
beauty  to  the  speech.  Mr.  TyrwWtt  and  he  are  also  my  authorities  for 
putting  into  the  mouth  of  Adrastus  the  foUowing  speeches,  usually 
ascribed  to  ^tfara. 


32  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

Of  Mars,  and  battle,  thio'.  the  Theban  streets. 
With  many  a  beaten  bosom  shall  resound. 

CHORUS. 

Wretch  that  I  am !  what  cause  shall  I  assign 
Tor  sLch  calamities? 

ADRASTUS. 

But  some  reverse 
Of  fortune,  may  again  lay  low  the  man 
Who,  swollen  uirh  gay  prosperity,  exults; 
This  gives  me  confidence. 

i  CHORUS. 

Th'  immortal  Gods 
Thou  jepresent'st  as  if  those  Gods  were  just. 

ADRASTUS. 

For  who  but  they  o'er  each  event  preside  ? 

CHORUS. 

Heaven's  partial  dispensations  to  mankind 
I  oft  cou template. 

ADRASTUS. 

Tho'j  thy  better  judgement 
To  thy  past  fears  dost  sacrifice.     Revenge 
Calls  forth  revenge,  and  slaughter  is  repaid 
By  slaughter  ;  for  the  Gods  into  the  souls 
Of  evil  men  pernicious  ihouij^hts  infuse. 
And  all  things  to  their  destin'd  period  guide. 

m 

CHORUS. 

ODE. 

I. 

O  could  I  reach  yon  field  with  turrets  crown'd 
And  leave  thy  spiing  Callichor^  behind. 

ADRASTUS. 

Heaven  give  thee  pinions  to  outstrip  the  wind ! 

CHORUS. 

Waft  me  to  Thebes  for  its  two  streams  renown'd, 


» ■  ••  —1 


■    THE  SUPPLIANTS.  3S 

ADRASTUS. 

(17)  There  might'st  thou  view  the  spirits  of  the  slain 
Whose  corses  welter  on  the  hostile  plain. 
Still  dubious  are  the  dread  awards  of  fate. 
But  the  undaunted  King  of  this  domain^ 
In  yon  emhattled  field  what  dangers  may  await 

CHORUS. 
11. 

On  you,  ye  pitying  Gods,  again  I  call. 
In  you  my  trust  1  place,  your  might  revere. 
And  with  this  hope  dispell  each  anxious  fear. 
O  Jove,  whom  love's  soft  bandage  did  enthrall. 
When  beauteous  To  met  thy  fond  embrace. 
Erst  to  a  heifer  chang'd,  from  whom  we  trace 
Our  origin,  make  Argos  still  thy  care. 
Thy  image  rescuing  from  its  loath'd  disgrace. 
To  the  funereal  pyre  these  heroes  will  we  bear. 

MESSENGER,  ADRASTUS,  CHORUS. 

MESSENGER. 

With  many  acceptable  tidings  fraught 

^  (17)   Thongh  tiie  reading  of  ^vx'^y  which  I  have  followed,  is  de- 
fended by  Barnes  with  respect  to  the  quantity,  in  a  manner  which 
appears  to  me  entirely  satisfactory,  especially  if  with  Scaliger  we  com- 
pound ftv  '^v^t'i  into  a^/.\vy^uQ ;  the  conjectural  innovation  of  Tvy^  for- 
tnnas,  proposed  \}y  Mr.  Heath  and  Mr.  Tyrwhitt,  has  found  admission, 
into  the  Latin  version^  of  Mr.  Markland  and  iDr.  Mosgrave.    ^  Hew 
^ouid  aiheieethe  souls  of  her  Sons  ?*,  is  a  question  asked  by  the  former  of 
these  editors  in  opposition  to  tlie  old  reading.    Metaphysical  controver* 
ties  are  much  beyond  my  SD}iere,  but  such  is  the  language  of  Euripides 
and  the  antient  Poets.    n»  xovre  !^nea  EKau  i'tfy^nf  tcrtiu ;  is  an  exclamatfon 
of  the  unfortunate  Hecuba  in  the  eighty-seventh  line  of  t^e  Tragedy, 
^hich  bears  her  name^  on  which  the  Scholiast  observes  rm  4<0C^  ^^ 
tituhi  tAntxuf  nv.    In  the  eleventh  book  of  tlie  Odyssey,  where  Ulysses' 
sees  and  converses  with  tlie  souls  of  Tiresias  and  other  illustrious  Greeks^ 
the  word  -ivxn  is  used  by  Homer,  as  Is  that  of  anima  in  Virgil  where  he 
speaks  of  those  with  whom .  iEneas  held  a  like  intercourse.    Moreover 
the  idea  of  the  ghosts  of  those  warriors  being  seen  to  wander  in  discoid 
tent,  and  hover  about  the  spot  where  their  bodies  lay  unburied,  is  per- 
fectly classical,  and  conformable  to  wliat  we  read  of  Elpenor's  shade  in 
Homer,  and  that  of  Palinurus  in  Virgil. 

VOL.    II.  D 


54  THE  SUPPLIANTS; 

(18)  I  come,  ye  Dames,  and  am  myself  just  'scap'd 

(For  I  was  taken  prisoner  in  that  battle, 

When  the  seven  squadron*,  led  by  the  deceas'd. 

Upon  the  banks  of  Dirce's  current  fought); 

It  is  my  joyful  errand  to  relate 

The  conquest  Theseus  gained  :  but  your  fatigue 

Of  asking  tedious  questions  will  I  spare; 

For  to  that  Capanews,  th'  ill-fated  chief 

Whom  Jove  with  flaming  thunderbolts  transpierced. 

Was  I  a  servant. 

CHORUS. 

O  my  friend,  you  bring 
A  favourable  account  of  your  return> 
And  Theseus'  mighty  deeds:  but  if  the  host 
Of  generous  Athens  too  be  safe,  most  welcome 
Will  be  the  whole  of  what  you  now  relate. 


(18)  This  violation  of  the  mnity  of  tflne^  which  is  by  &r  the  most  gres» 
of  auy  that  occurs  m  Evripkles,  if  we  except  that  he  is  charged  with 
committing  (as  I  hope  I  have  shewn)  upon  very  slight  grounds,  in  the  im> 
mdiately  preceding  tragedy  of  Andromache,  has  not  escaped  the  censure 
of  the  critics  r  but  the  attack  mad<e  upon  it  by  Mnretus,  var.  lect.  L.  xi%^ 
c.  16.  being  somewhat  inaccurately  worded,  Barnes  thence  takes  occasion 
rather  to  extenuate  the  charge  y  and  Markland  observes  with  an  ahr  of 
triumph,  that  the  stricture  **  on  the  messenger's  returning  from  Thebes 
*^  to  Athens  in  less  time  than  b&eould  ha^e  performed  the  journey  in  a 
''  dream''  is  doubly  inaccurate,  as  the  messenger  is  a  prisoner  who  had 
been  detained  at  lliebes  ever  since  the  form^  war,  and  escaping  from 
thence,  brought  these  tidings  to  Eleusine,  not  Athens..  The  distance  of 
Eleusine  from  Thebes  appears  indeed  from  the  maps  somewhat  smaUer 
than  that  of  Athens :  but  in  every  other  fcspect  the  objection  will 
rather  gain  than  lose  force  by  being  stated  with  minuteness  and  accuracy. 
Scarce  forty  lines  have  intervened  since  Theseus  left  tite  temple  to  put 
himself  at  the  head  of  his  troops,  who  were  waiting  ft>r  hintat  the  spring 
of  (^^alHchore ;.  iirom  thence  he  has  marched  to  Thebes  and  given  battle 
to  Creon,  who  rq)eated  his  refusal  to  deliver  up-  the  slain :  the  Thebans 
b^g  defeated  after  a  very  obstinate  conflict,  and  the  gates  of  the  city 
thrown  open  to  admit  the  fugitives,  an  Argive  prisoner  made  his  escape, 
and  now  arrives  at  Eleusine  with  an  account  of  the  engagement,  so  cir- 
cumstantial that  the  very  delivering  it  takes  up  near  treble  the  space  of 
tim^that  has  elapsed  since  Theseus  left  the  temple. 


•  I 


THE  SUPPLIANTS.  S5 

ME3SENOEIL  *     - 

*Tis  safe;  and  what  Adrastras  strove  t'  effect, 
When  frpm  the  stream  of  Inachus  he  led 
His  forces,  and  against  the  Theban  towers 
Wag'd  war^  is  now  accomplish'd. 

CHORUS. 

But  relate 
How  ^geus*  Son  with  his  intrepid  comrades 
Jove*s  trophies  rear'd,  for  you  th'  engagement  sa^,     . 
And  us  who  were  not  there,*  can  entertain. 

MESSENGER. 

In  a  right  line  the  solar  beams  began 
To  strike  the  earth  ;  upon  a  tower  I  stood 
Commanding  a  wide  prospect  o'er  the  field. 
Above  the  gate  Electra.     Thence  I  marked 
The  warriors  of  three  tribes,  to  the  assault 
Advancing  in  three  several  bands,  array'd 
In  ponderous  armour,  to  Ismcnos'  stream. 
The  first  division,  I  am  told,   its  ranks 
Extended  ;   the  ilhistrious  Son  of  iEgetis, 
Their  monarch,  was  among  them;  round  their  chief 
The  natives  of  Cecropia's  antient  realm 
Were  station'd ;  the  Paralians  arm'd  with  spears 
Close  to  the  fount  of  Mars;  on  either  flank 
Of  battle  stood  the  cavalry  disposed 
In  equal  numbers,  and  the  brazen  cars 
Skreen'd  by  Amphion*s  venerable  tomb. 
Meanwhile  the  Theban  forces  were  drawn  forth 
Without  the  bulwarks,  placing  in  their  rear 
The  bodies  which  they  fought  for;  fiery  steed 
To  steed ;  to  chariot,  chariot  stood  opposed. 
But  Theseus'  Herald,  in  a  voice  so  loud 
That  all  might  hear,   cried  out,  "  Be  mute,  yef  people, 
"  Attend  in  strictest  silence,  O  ye  troops 
''  Who  spring  from  Gadmus  ;  we  are  come  to  claim 
"  1  he  bodies  of  the  slain,  which  *tis  our  wish 
''  To  bury,  in  complianc*e  with  the  laws 


50.  THE  SUPPLUNT& 

'^  Establish 'd  thro'  all  Greecq :   we  for  their  deaihf^ 

**  Require  not  an  atonement/*    To  these  words 

No  answer  by  his  herald  Creon  gave,  .       ' 

Firm  under  arms  the  si  Jen  t  warrior  stood. 

They  who  the  reins  of  adverse  chariots  held 

Began  the  battle,  hurrying  through  the  ranks 

With  glowing  wheels,  nor  shunn'd  the  lifted  spear; 

Some  fought  with  swords,,  while  others  urg'dtheirsteeds 

Agaia  into  the  fray,  encountering  those 

Who.  had  repelled  tjiem,  •  But  when  Phorbas,  leader 

Of  the  Athenian  cavahy,  observed 

The  chariots  of  the  foe  in  throngs  advance, 

He  and  the  chieftians  of  theTheban  horse 

In  the  encounter  mingled,  and  by  turns 

Prevail'd  and  were  discon^fited.     I  speak  not 

From  fame  alone,  but  what  myself  beheld. 

For  I  was  present  where  the  chariots  fought,  »     * 

And  the  brave  chiefs  who  in  those  chariots  rode^^ 

In  an  assemblage  of  so  many  horrors, 

I  know  not  which  to  mention  first;,  how  thick 

Thf  elauds  of  dust  which  blackened  all  the  skj':. 

Or  those  who  tangled  in  the  stubborn  lei^s 

Were  dragged  at  random,  o'er  the  field,  and  bath'd       r 

In  their  owp  gore,  their  chariots  oveitthrowu 

Or  broken  ;,  others  headlong  from  their  seat  : 

Were  violently  dash'd  upon  the  ground. 

And  breath'd  their  last  amid  their  splinter'd  wheels.     .^ 

When  Creon.  saw  his  cavalry  prevail. 

Hastily  snatching  up  a  pointed  spear. 

Onward  he  march'd  impetuous,  lest  bis  troops' 

Should  lose  theijc  courage;,  noi  thix)ugh  abject  feac 

Did  Theseus'  bands  recoil :  without  delay,. 

Oft  to  ih^  combat,  sheath'd  in  glittering  arms 

Thie  dauntless  chief  ^.dvanc'd,  and  njow  begaa 

la  jthe  p^ain  body  of  ^ach  adverse  host 

An  universal  couflict;  with  the  slain 

The  slayer  mir^led  hy  j  w^ik  clamorou* . shout*    ^     » 

la 


4< 


Were  heaid  from  those  that  to  their  comrades  «ri<ed ;   T 
*^  Strike !   with  your  spears  oppose  Erectheus*  race."  . 
A  legion  sprung  from  the  slain  Dragon's  teeth 
With  courage  fought,  and  press'd  6n  our  left  wing 
So  hard  that  it  gave  way,  while  by  our  right 
Discomfited  th^  Theban  squadrons  fled* 
Thus  io  an  equal  balance  long  remained 
The  fate  of  war,  but  here  again  bur  Chief 
Deserv'd  applause,  for  he  not  only  gain'd 
All  that  advantage  his  victorious  troops  1 

Could  give  him,  but  proceeded  to  that  wing 
Which  had  been  worsted :  with  so  loud  a  shout 
That  eertb  resounded,  "  Valiant  youths,"  be  cried. 
If  ye  repell  not  those  portended  spears 
Of  the  fierce  Dragon's  brood,  Minerva's  city 
*'  Is  utterly  destfoy'd."    These  words  infus'd 
New  confidence  in  all  th'  Athenian  host. 
Then  snatching  up  the  ponderous  club  he  won. 
Near  ( 1 9)  Epidauiiis,  with  his  utmost  force 

(19)  EpidauruSy  in  the  province  of  Argos,  is  described  by  Strabo 
as  being  situated  near  the  bay  of  Saron,  and  opposite  to  the  island  .£gina  : 
the  distance  is  not  great  from  thence  to  Trspzene  tiie  city  of  Pittfaens 
under  whose  care  Theseus  wa$  educated.  Plutarch  speaks  of  that  h^'s 
killing  Periphetes,  a  famous  robber  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Epidaurm, 
as  his  earliest  exploit.  Tircseus,  as  a  mark  of  his  triumph,  used  to  bear 
the  club  he  took  from  his  vanquished  foe,  virhom  Pausanias  and  Ovid 
have  dignified  vkh  the  appellation  of  the  Son  of  Vulcan.  The  antient 
P.«ets  often  put  such  weapons  into  the  hands  of  their  Heroes,  in 
order  to  convey  to  the  reader  an  idea  of  superior  strength;  thus  Net- 
tor,  speaking  of  his  youthful  exploits ; 

Ttiixn  S*  Efn^a^tun  vfo^jj^  t^ara  unBtag  Puq 
TtvyJ  ty(t/9  vcfxouriv   A^/n^ooiO  afuxTqg^ 
Aio  Ap>>t^otf  rraf  cTr^xXnciV  yu^irftmf 

AXX«  cilr^nn  M0^)|  ptyVLf^E  <^ti^MYytitg», 

Homer  11.  L.  7.  r,  136 

♦ 

There  Ereuthalion  brav'd  us  in  the  field, 
proud  Areithous'  dreadful  arms  to  wield ; 
Great  Are^thous  known  from  shore  to  shore 
fiy  the  huge  knotted  iron  mace  he  bore; 


38  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

He  swang  that  formidable  weapon  round. 

Severing,  like  tender  poppies  from  the  stalks. 

At  the  same  stroke,  their  necks  and  helmed  heads. 

Yet  scarcely  could  he  put  to  flight  the  troops 

Of  Argos.     With  a  shout,  then  vaulting  high, 

I  clapp'd  my  hands  while  to  the  gates  they  ran. 

Through  every  street  re-echoed  mingled  shrieks 

Of  young  arid  old,  who  by  their  fears  impell'd 

Crowded  the  temples.     But  when  he  with  ease 

The  fortress  might  have  enfer'd,  Theseus  checked 

The  ardour  of  hishost^  and  said  he  came. 

Not  to  destroy  the  city,  but  redeem 

The  bodies  of  those  slaughtered  chiefs.     A  man 

Like  this  should  be  selected  for  the  leader 

Of  armies,  who  'midst  dangers  perseveres 

Undaunted,  and  abhors  the  madding  pride 

Of  those,  who  flush'd  with  triumph,  while  they  seek 

To  mount  the  giddy  ladder*s  topmost  round. 

Forfeit  that  bliss  they  else  might  have  enjoy'd. 

CHORUS. 

Now  I  have  seen  this  unexpected  da\', 
I  deem  that  there  are  Gods,  and  feel  my  woes 
Alleviated  since  these  audacious  miscreants 
Have  suiFer'd  their  deserts. 

No  lance  he  shook,  nor  bent  the  twanging  bow. 
But  broke  wit  i  this  the  battle  of  the  foe.  Pope. 

It  is  recorded  also  of  .£neaii ; 

Nee  longd  Cissca  durum 
Immanemque,  Oyam  sternentes  agmina  clav& 
Dejecit  letlio,  nihil  illos  Herculis  arma 
Nil  vahdae  juvere  manns.  Virgil,  ^n.  L,  10.  v.  317. 

Not  far  from  him  was  Gyas  laid  along 
Of  monstrous  buik,  with  Cisseus  fierce  and  strong  j 
Vain  bulk  and  strength,  for  when  the  chief  assail'd, 
Nor  valour  nor  Herculean  arms  availed.  Dryden. 

The  English  reader  who  ik  in  the  least  conversant  with  classical  poetry  or 
painting,  will  immediately  recognize  the  club,  though  not  mentioned  in 
this  version,  as  the  coaracteribtic  weapon  of  Hercules. 


THE  SUPPLIANTS,  ^ 

ADRASTUS. 

Why  do  they  speak 
Of  wretched  man  as  wise?  On  thee,  O  Jove, 
Our  all  depends,  and  whatsoe'er  thou  will'st 
We  execute.    The  power  of<20)  Argos  seemed 
Too  great  to  be  resisted ;,  we  relied 
On  bur  own  numbers  and  superior  might. 
Hence  when  Eteocles  began  to  treat 
Of  peace,  though  he  demanded  moderate  terms, 
Disdainiag  to  accept  it,  we  rusb'd  headlong 
Into  perdition :  while  the  foolish  race 
Of  Cadmus,  like  some  beggar  who  obtains 
Immense  possessions  suddenly,  grew  proud. 
And  pride  was  the  forerunner  of  4heir  ruin. 
Mortals,  devoid  of  .senses  who  strain  too  bard 
Your  feeble  bow,  and  after  ye  have  «uffer'd 
TJnnumber'd  evils  justly,  to  the  voice 
Of  friends  «tiU  deaf,  are  glided  by  events; 
And  cities,  who  by  treaty  might  avert 
Impending  mischief,  choose  to  make  the  sword. 
Rather  than  reason,  umpire  of  your  strife. 
But  whither  do  these  vain  reflections  tend  f 
What  I  now  wish  to  learn  is,  by  what  means 
Thou  didst  escape :  I  into  other  matters 
Will  then  make  full  enquiry. 

MESSENGER. 

While  the  tumult 
Of  battle  in  the  city  still  prevail'd, 
I  thro'  that  gate  came  forth,  by  which  the  troops 
Had  enter'd. 

ADRASTUSi. 
But  did  ye  bear  off  the  bodies 
Of  those  slain  chiefs  for  whom  the  war  arose  f 


<20)  The  substitntion  of  Afyop  for  oXyof,  which  stands  in  the  Aldiw 
edition,  and  that  of  Barnes,  is  authorized,  as  we  are  infonned  by  Mr. 
Markland  and  Dr.  Musgrave,  by  the  manuscripts  in  the  royal  hbrary 
at  Paris. 


40  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

MESSENGER. 

Who  o'er  seven  noble  houses  did  preside. 

ADRASTUS. 

What's  this  thou  said*st  ?  but  where  are  alhthe  rest 
Of  the  deceased,  an  undistinguish'd  crowd  ? 

MESSENGER. 

Lodg'd  in  a  tomb  amid  Cithaeron's  vale. 

ADRASTUS. 

Beyond  or  on  this  side  the  mount  ?  and  who 
Performed  this  mournful  duty  ? 

MESSENGER. 

Theseus'  self: 
The  rock  Ekutheris  o'ershades  their  grave, 

ADRASTUS. 

But  a$-for  those  he  hath  not  yet  interr'd. 
Where  did  he  leave  their  corses  ? 

MESSENGER. 

Near  at  hand. 
For  every  duty  that  affection  prompts 
Is  plac'd  within  our  reach. 

ADRASTUS. 

Did  slaves  remove 
The  dead  with  their  ignoble  hands  ? 

MESSENGER. 

No  slave 
Performed  that  oflSce:  if  you  had  been  present 
You  would  have  cried,  "  What  love  doth  Theseus  bear 
*^  To  our  slain  friends !"  he  lav'd  the  griesly  wounds 
Of  these  unhappy  youths,  the  couch  prepar'd. 
And  o'er  their,  bodies  threw  the  decent  evil. 

ADRASTUS, 

Most  heavy  burden  !  too  unseemly  task  ! 

MESSENGER. 

What  shame  to  feeble  mortals  can  arise 
From  those  calamities  which  none  Escape  ? 

ADRASTUS. 

Ah !  would  to  Heaven  that  I  with  them  had  die^ ! 


\ 


T»E  SUPPLIANTS.  41 

MESSENGER. 

In  vain  you  weep,  and  cause  full  many  a  tear 
To  stream  from  these  your  followers. 

ADRA8TU8. 

He4'e  I  stand 
As  the  chief  mourner,  though  by  them,  alas! 
HaV€  I  been  taught  to  grieve.     Of  that  no  more. 
With  hands  uplifted  I  advance  to  meet 
The  dead,  and  pouring  forth  a  votive  dirge 
Too  soothe  Hell's  griesiy  Potentate,  once  more 
Will  I  accost  those  friends,  of  whom  deprived 
I  wail  my  solitude.     This  only  loss 
Man  neyer  can  retrieve,  the  fleeting  breath  (91) 
Of  lifei  but  the  possessions  we  impair. 
By  various  means  may  be  again  acquired. 

[JEx?Y  MESSENGER. 
CHORUS. 

ODE. 

I. 

Dash'd  are  our  joys  with  mingled  pains ; 
While  Athens  and  its  leaders  claim 
Fresh  wreaths  of  laurel  with  augmented  fame ; 

Doom'd  to  behold  the  pale  remains 
Of  my  lov'd  children,  bitter,  pleasing  sight, 
I  after  grief  shall  feel  an  unforeseen  delight. 

(2t)  '^  This  passage  is  imitated  from  Horner^ 

'*  Krvnt  it  r^TToli;  rt  tuu  imrM  sUeAu  xa^tiMt* 
*^  Av^flj  h  ^vy(n  WfliXiv  f>3tn  ttrt  "ka^y 

ILL.  9,  V.406. 

^  Lost  herds  and  treasures  we  by  arms  regain, 

^  And  steeds  unrivard  on  the  dus^  plain ; 

^  But  from  our  lips  the  vital  spirit  fled 

^  Ketums  no  more  to  wake  the  silent  dead."  .  PoFt. 

**  Brodaeus  has  akeady  made  the  same  observation."  Markks. 


42  THE  SUPPUANTS. 

11. 

O  that  old  Time's  paternal  care 
Had  kept  me  from  the  nuptial  yoke. 

What  need  had  I  of  Sons  ?  this  grievous  stroke 
Could  d&ver  then  have  been  my  share : 
But  now  I  see  perpetual  cause  to  mourn ; 

My  Children^  from  these  arms  for  ever  are  ye  torn* 

But  lo  the  corses  of  those  breathless  youths. 
Are  born  in  pomp  funereal.     Would  to  Heaven 
I  with  my  Sons  might  perish^  and  descend 
The  shades  of  Pluto! 

ADRASTUS. 

Matrons,  o*er  the  dead. 
Pale  tenants  of  the  realms  beneath,  now  vent 
Your  loudest  groans,  and  to  my  groans  reply. 

CHORUS. 

O  Children,  whom  in  bitterness  of  soul. 
With  a  maternal  fondness,  we  accost ; 
To  thee,  my  breathless  Son,  to  thee  I  speak* 

ADRASTUS. 

Ah  me !  my  woes ! 

CHORUS. 
We  have  endured,  alas ! 
Afflictions  the  most  grievous. 

AD]^STUS. 

O  ye  Dames 
Of'my  lov'd  Argos,  view  ye  not  my  fate  ? 

CHORUS. 

Me,  miserable  and  childless  they  behold! 

ADRASTUS. 

Bring  to  their  hapless  friend  each  bloody  corse 
Of  those  fam'd  Chiefs  (22)  dishonourably  slain, 

(23)  From  the  account  given  to  Jocasta  by  the  messenger  in  the 
^  PhoecissaB,  we  learri  that  Hippomedon,  Farthenopaens,  and  Capaneus 
perislied  in  the  assault  made  by  the  Argives  on  the  seven  towers  of 
Thebes;  after  which  the  two  Sons  of  Oedipus,  Eteocles  and  Polynices^ 
having,,  in  order  to  prevent  farther  elusion  of  blood,  agreed  to  decide 
their  daimt  to  the  throne  by  single  combat,  a  spot  was  fixed  on  for  that 


THE  SUPPLIANTS.  43 

And  by  the  hands  of  cowards :  when  they  fell. 
The  battle  ended.       ♦ 

CHORUS. 
O  let  me  embrace 
My  dearest  Sons^  and  in  these  arms  sustain  ! 

ADRASTUS. 

Thou  from  these  hands  receiv'st  them :  such  a  weight 

Of  anguish  is  too  grievous  to  be  borne. 

CHORUS. 

By  their  fond  Mothers,  you  forget  to  add. 
Wretch  that  1  am  ! 

ADRASTUS. 

Ah,  listen  to  my  voice. 

CHORUS. 

Both  to  yourself  and  us  these  plaints  belong. 

ADRASTUS. 
Would  to  the  Gods  that  the  victorious  troops 
Of  Thebes,  had  slain  and  laid  me  low  in  dust! 

CHORUS. 
O  that  in  wedlock  I  had  ne'er  been  join'd 
To  any  lord ! 

purpose  without  the  walls  of  the  eity,  and  in  the  mid-way  between  both 
annies:  the  Thebans  still  kept  on  their  armoury  but  the  Argives  had  im« 
prudently  thrown  theirs  aside :  immediately  on  the  two  Princes  falling  by 
each  other's  hand,  (an  event  not  guarded  against  in  the  treaty),  the 
Thebans  ungenerously  availed  themselves  of  tins  advantage,  and  attacked 
the  Argives,  who  were  not  prepared  to  resist  them,  and  are  hence  said 
to  have  fallen  hx  o^i  yf  dtt*  a^iM.f  which  vnthout  this  retrospect  sounds 
absurdly  when  applied  to  men  slain  at  the  head  of  their  troops  in  an  en- 
gagement where  they  behaved  with  distinguished  courage.  As  to  Am- 
phianeus  who  was  swallowed  up  witli  his  chariot  and  horses,  Euripides 
has  left  it  dubious  whether  he  perished  immediately  after  that  attempt  to 
storm  the  city,  which  preceded  the  duel  between  the  two  Brothers,  or 
in  flying  vnth  Adrastus:  but  the  two  other  chiefs,  Tydeus  and  Eteoclus, 
may  be  considered  as  having  survived  Polynices,  and  as  being  the  per- 
sons here  spoken  of  »  mc  aywy  fxp»i0q ;  after  whose  deaths  Adrastus  having 
lost  all  hopes,  quitted  the  field  of  battle,  and  escaped  through  the  swift- 
ness of  his  horse.  Most  x)f  the  Latin  interpreters  concur  in  rendering  the 
last  mentioned  words  in  quibus  finitum  erat  certamen :  Reiskius  and  Mr. 
Markland  suppose  tlie  word  locis  to  be  understood ;  but  I  rather  appre- 
hend the  Argive  king  to  be  still  peaking  of  these  his  slam  friends. 


44  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

ADRASTUS.  * 

Ye  miserable  Mothers 
Of  those  brave  youths,  who  for  their  country  died^ 
An  ocean  of  calamity,  behold. 

CHORUS. 

We,  hopeless  mourners,  with  our  nails  have  torn 
These  bleeding  visages,  and  on  our  heads 
Strewn  ashes. 

ADRASTUS. 

Ah!  ah  me!  thou  opening  ground. 
Swallow  me  up.     O  scatter  me,  ye  storms; 
And  may  Jove's  lightning  6n  this  head  descend! 

CHORUS. 

You  witnessed  in  an  evil  hour  the  nuptials' 
Of  your  two  Daughters,  in  an  evil  hour 
Apollo's  mystic  oracles  obey'd* 
The  Wife  whom  you  have  taken  to  your  ^irnis 
Is  that  destructive  fiend  who  left  the  house 
Of  CEdipus,  and  chose  with  you  to  dwell. 

THESEUS,  ADRASTUS,  CHORUS. 

THESEUS. 

The  questions  I  designed  to  have  proposed 
To  you,  ye  noble  Matrons,  when  ye  utter'd 
Your  loud  complaints  amidst  th'  assen)bled  host, 
I  will  omit,  and  mean  to  search  no  farther 
Into  the  naoving  history  of  your  woes. 
But  now  of  thee,  Adrastus,  I  enquire. 
Whence  sprung  these  Chiefs  whose  prowess  did  transcend, 
That  of  all  other  mortals?  thou  art  wise. 
And  these  transactions,  which  full  well  thou  know*st. 
Canst  to  our  youthful  citizens  unfold. 
For,  of  their  bold  atchievements,  which  exceed 
The  power  of  language  to  express,  myself 
(23)  Have  been  a  witness,  when  they  strove  to  stomx 

(23)  ''  Heath  and  Markland  render  h^w  intelfigo,  because  Thcsens  did 
**  not  accompany  the  first  expedition  against  Thebes,  and  therefore  was 
**  not  an  eye-witness  to  the  exploits  perfbrmedby  the  ArgTve  leailers. 


THE  SUPfllANTS,-  45 

The  Tlieban  walls.     But  lest  I  should  provoke 

Thy  laughter,  this  one  question  will  I  spare ; 

With  what  brave  (24)  champion  in  th'  embattled  field 

Each  fought^  and  from  the  weapon  of  what  foe 

Received  the  deadly  wouod :  for  these  vain  tales 

But  seirve  an  equal  foljy  to  display 

In  those  who  either  hear  them,  or  relate. 

Should  he  who  mingles  in  the  thickest  fray^ 

From  either  army,  while  unnuraber'd  spears 

Before  his  eyes  are  thrown,  distinctly  strive. 

To  ascertain  what  dauntless  warrior  lanch'd 

With  surest  aim  the  missile  death.     These  questions 

I  cannot  ask,  nor  credit  those  who  dare 

To  make  such  rash  assertions.     For  the  man 

Who  to  his  foes  in  combat  stands  opposed, 

Can  scarce,  discern  enough  to  act  the  part 

Which  his  own  duty  calls  for. 

AJ>RASTXJS, 

Now  attendy 
For  no  unwelcome  task  have  ypuimpos'd 
On  me,  of  praising  those  departed  friends^ 

**  This  does  not  seem  to  me  a  sufficient  reason,  why  we  should  transfer 
^  «Joy  from  seeing  to  tlie  faculty  of  understandingy  contrary  to  the  usagp 
*'  of  the  Greeks.  Pausanias  relates  (p.  729,  ed.  Kuhnf!,  Leipsic  1696;) 
*^  that  "the  Pdtrponesiajis  being  unacquainted  with  the  proper  methods  ^f  he- 
f*  sieging  a  fortress^  made  their  attacks  rather  with  possum  than  j%idgement* 
*^  Theseus  therefore,  when  he  was  at  Thebes,  might  have  gone  round  tlie 
**  walls,  and  beheld  then*  attempts,  by  the  places  they  had  assailed  he- 
"  mg  pointed  out  to  him/'    Dr.  Musgrave. 

The  above  intevprelation  appears  to  me  more  probable  from  the  ac- 
count Statins  gives  of  Thebes  being  exposed  to  great  danger^  from  t^b 
breaches  made  in  its  walls  by  the  fonner  assailants  being  not  yet  re- 
paired when  it  vtras  besieged  a  second  time  by  Thesefis» 

r 

Murorum  patet  omne  latus  munimlhae  portae 

Exposcunt;  prior  hostis  habet,  fastigia  desunt; 

Dejecit  Gapaneus.  Statii  Thebw  L.  tS,  v.  r04» ' 

(S4)  This  has  th^  appearance  of  being  intended  as  a  sarctem  on  the 
batUes  of  Homer,  and  is  equally  applicable  to  those  of  almost  every 
ether  Epic  writer. 


46  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

Of  whom  with  truth  and  justice  I  would  speak. 

Do  you  behold  yon  Hero's  graceful  form. 

Thro'  which  the  boh  of  Jove  hath  forc'd  its  way? 

This  yputh  is  Capaneus,  who  tho'  the  fortune 

Which  he  possessed  was  ample,  ne'er  grew  vain 

Thro'  wealth,  nor  of  himself  more  highly  deemed 

Than  if  he  had  been  poor,  but  shunn'd  the  man 

Who  proudly  glories  in  a  sumptuous  board. 

And  treats  a  frugal  competence  with  scorn; 

For  he  maintain'd  that  life's  chief  good  consists  not 

In  the  voracious  glutton's  full  repast. 

But  that  a  moderate  portion  will  suffice. 

In  his  attachments  still  was  he  sincere. 

And  zealous  for  the  good  of  those  he  lov'd. 

Whether  at  hand  or  absent  still  the  same  ; 

Small  is  the  number  of  such  friends  as  these; 

His  manners  were  not  counterfeit,  his  lips 

Distill'd  sweet  courtesy,  and  left  not  aught 

That  he  had  promis'B,  either  to  the  slave. 

Or  citizen  of  Argos,'*onperform'd. 

Eteoclus  I  next  proceed  to  name. 

For  every  virtuous  practice  much  renown'd. 

Small  were  the  fortunes  of  this  noble  youth. 

But  in  the  Argive  region  he  enjoy'd 

Abutidant  honours:  tho'  his  wealthier  friends  ^ 

Oft  sought  to  have  presented  him  with  gold. 

His  doors  were  clos'd  against  that  specious  bane. 

Lest  he  might  seem  to  act  a  servile  part. 

By  riches  made  a  bondsman  :  he  abhorr'd 

The  guilt  of  individuals,  not  the  land 

"Which  nourished  them:  to  cities  no  reproach 

Is  due,  because  their  rulers  are  corrupt.— • 

Such  also  was  Hippomedon,  the  third 

Of  these  illustrious  chiefs;  while  yet  a  boy. 

To  the  delights  the  tumeful  Muses  yield, 

A  life  of  abject  softness,  he  disdain'd 

To  turn  aside :  a  tenant  of  the  fields. 


Ir 


THE  SUPPLIANTS.  47 

His  nature  he  to  the  severest  toils 

Inuring^  took  delight  in  manly  deed*, 

With  fiery  coursers  issuing  to  the  chase. 

Or  twang'd  with  nervous  hands  the  sounding  bow^ 

And  shew'd  a  generous  eagerness  to  make 

His  vigour  useful  to  his  native  land.— - 

There  lies  the  huntress  Atalanta's  Son 

Parthenopaeus,  by  a  beauteous  form 

Distinguished :  in  Arcadia  was  he  born. 

But,  journeying  thence  to  Inachus's  stream. 

In  Argos  nurtured ;  having  there  receiv'd 

His  education,  first,  as  is  the  duty 

Of  strangers  in  the  country  where  they  dwell. 

He  never  made  a  foe,  nor  to  the  state 

Became  obnoxious,  wag'd  no  strife  of  words 

(Whence  citizens  and  foreigners  offend). 

But,  station'd  in  the  van  of  battle,  fought 

To  guard  the  land  as  if  he  had  been  born 

An  Argive,  and  whene'er  the  city  prosper'd, 

Rejoic'd,  but  was  with  deepest  anguish  stung. 

If  a  reverse  of  fortune  it  endur'd : 

Though  many  lovers,  many  blooming  nymphs 

To  him  their  hearts  devoted,  he  matntain'd 

A  blameless  conduct. — The  great  praises  due 

To  Tydeus  I  concisely  will  express; 

Tho'  rude  of  speech,  yet  terrible  in  arms^ 

Devising  various  stratagems,  surpass'd 

In  prudence  by  his  brother  Mekager, 

By  warlike  arts  he  gain'd  an  equal  name. 

Finding  sweet  music  in  the  crash  of  shii^lds : 

Nature  endued  him  with  the  strongest  thirst 

For  glory  and  for  riches;  but  his  soul 

In  actions,  not  in  words,  its  force  display'd.— 

From  this  account,  O  Theseus,  wonder  not 

Such  generous  youths  before  the  Theban  towers 

Fear'd  not  to  meet  an  honourable  death. 

For  educatiou  is  the  source  whence  springs 


48  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

Ingenuous 'shame,  and  every  man  whose  habits 
Have  erst  been  virtuous,  not  without  a  blush,   . 
Becomes  a  dastard :  courage  may  be  taught; 
Just  as  a  tender  infant  learns  to  speak 
And  listen  to  the  words  he  comprehends  not; 
But  he  such  wholesome  lessons  treasures  up 
Till  he  is  old.     From  this  example  train 
Your  progeny  in  honour's  arduous  paths. 

CHORUS. 

I  educated  thee,  my  hapless  Son, 
Thee  in  this  womb  sustained,  and  Childbirth's  pangd 
For  thee  endur'd :  but  now  hath  Pluto  seiz'd 
The  fruit  of  all  my  toils,  and  I,  who  bore 
An  offspring,  am  abandoned  to  distress. 
Without  a  prop  to  stay  my  sinking  age. 

ADRASTUS. 

The  Gods  themselves  in  louder  strains  extoll 
(^25)  Oicleus'  illustrious  Son,  whom  yet  alive 
They  with  his  rapid  coursers  snatch'd  away 
And  bore  into  the  caverns  of  the  earth.  , 

• 

(25)  Amphiarcus.    Dr.  Musgrave  puts  tlie  encomiums  on  this  hero 
and  Polynices  into  the  mouA  of  Theseus ;  but  from  the  circumstance  of 
Pindar  and  Euripides  being  contemporary  writers,  and  the  (jth  Olympicr 
Ode  containing  an  account  of  '<  the  praises  with  justice  bestowed  on  tiie 
^  deceased  prophet  Amphiareus  son  of  Oicleus  by  the  toi^gue  of  Afkas-  • 
**  tus,**  the  Ode  of  Pindar  bearing  date  the  85th  Olympiad,  whereas 
this  Tragedy  of  Euripides  appears  to  have  been  exhibited  in  the  3d  yetit 
of  the  90tli  Olympiad,,  as  Barnes  infers  from  the  oath  proposed  by  Mi-' 
nenra  in  the  last  scene,  being  the  same  with  that  which  Tliucydiijlesy.- 
L.  5.  c.  47.  mentions  beuig  taken  by  the  Argives  when  tliey  formed  a^ 
league  with  Athens  in  the  twelfth  year  of  tlie  Peloponesian  war.    It  ap- 
pears, therefore,  highly  probable  that  Euripides ^liould  concur  wiA  what- 
had  been  advanced  little  more  than  ^  years  before  by  Pindar,  so  &r  a9 
to  pat  these  words  into  the  mouth  of  Adrastus  rather  than  Theseus:  butt- 
on the  other  hand.  Dr.  Musgrave's  arguments  in  favor  of  ascribing  the 
speech  to  Thesens,  from  Polynices  being  evidently  unknown  to  Adrastns 
at  the  time  of  his  taking  shelter  in  his  vestibule,  when  he  appears  to  have 
recommended  himself  to  the  Argive  king  merely  by  his  dauntless  fero* 
city  in  encountering  Tydeus,  as  well  as  from  the  stress  apparently  laid  on 
the  word  mxuf  in  the  original,  are  so  strong,  that  I  thou^t  it  adviseable 
to  take  the  midcHe  vnty,  bj  dhkKng  the  speech;  and  Uave  foOowed  Dr^' 
Musgrave  m  his  distributioD,  of  the  subsequent  dialoj^e. 


THE  SUPPLIANTS.  49 

THESEUS. 

Nor  shall  I  utter  falshood,  while  ray  tongue 
RecouDts  the  praise  of  Poly n ices.  Son 
Of  Oedipus ;  for  as  his  guest  the  Chief 
ReceivM.  me,  ere,  a  voluntary  exile. 
Abandoning  his  native  city  rear'd 
By  Cadmus,  to  the  Argive  realm  he  went. 
But  know'st  thou  how  I  wish  thou  should'st  dispose 
Of  their  remains  ? 

ADRASTUS. 
All  that  I  know  is  this. 
Whatever  you  direct  shall  be  obey'd. 

THESEUS. 
As  for  that  Capaneus  who  by  the  flame 
Lanch'd  from  Jove's  hand  was  smitten.  — 

ADRASTUS. 

Would  you  burn 
His  corse  apart  as  sacred  ? 

THESEUS. 

Even  so. 
But  all  the  rest  on  one  funereal  pyre. 

ADRASTUS. 

Where  mean  you  to  erect  his  separate  tomb? 

THESEUS. 

I  near  these  hapless  youths  have  fix'd  the  spot  (26) 
For  his  interment. 


(26)  Reiskius,  and  after  him  Mr.  Tyrwhitt  and  Dr.  Masgrave,  read 
•Mir;  instead  of  otwr^;.  Mr.  Markland  ju»t  men&ons  the  proposed  alte- 
ration in  his  notes,  but  gives  it  no  sanction  either  by  inserting  it  in  his 
Latin  version  or  tiie  various  readings  at  the  foot  of  his  page.  There  seems 
to  be  as  little  harm  and  at  the  same  time  as  little  nse  in  it  as  is  possible 
in  tiie  snbstitation  of  one  word  for  another,  where  the  sense  differs  so 
totally  as  <<  Wretches  and  Temple/*  The  body  of  Capaneus  is  evidentiy 
borne  without  the  Temple  for  interment  as  well  as  the  other  Chieft,  nor 
does  Uie  q>ot  where  the  funereal  rites  of  Eteoclns^nd  the  rest  were  per- 
formed appear  to  have  been  at  any  considerable  distance,  from  their 
ashes  being  soon  after  brought  in  urns  to  their  Mothers  by  the  children. 

VOL.  II.  E 


50  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

ADRASTUS. 

To  your  menial  traia 
Must  this  unwelcome  office  be  consigned. 

THESEUS. 

But  to  those  other  warriors  will  I  pay 
Due  honours.     Now  advance,  and  hither  bring 
Their  corses. 


ADRASTUS. 

To  your  children,  wretched  Mati-otis>^^ 


Draw  near. 


THESEUS. 

Adrastus,  sure  thou  hast  proposed 
What  cannot  be  expedient. 

ADRASTUS. 

Why  restrain 
The  Mothers  from  their  breathless  Sons'  embrace? 

THESEUS. 

Should  they  behold  their  children  thus  deform'dy 
They  would  expire  with  grief.     The  face  we  lov'd, 
Soon  as  pale  death  invades  its  bloom,  becomes 
A  loathsome  object.     Why  would'st  thou  encrease 
Their  sorrows  ? 

ADRASTUS. 
You  convince  me.     Ye  must  wait. 
With  patience ;  for  expedient  are  the  coutisels 
Which  Theseus  gives.     But  when  we  ha:ve  consumed* 
In  blazing  pyres  their  corses,  ye  their  bones 
Must  take  away.    .Why  forge  the  brazen  spear, 
Unhappy  Mortals,  why' retaliate  slaughter. 
With  slaughter  ?     O  desist ;  no  more  engross'd 
By  fruitless  labours,  in  your  cities  dwell. 
Peaceful  yourselves,  and  through  the  nations  round 
Al  general  peace  diflusing.     For  the  term 

The  intennen^  therefore  of  Capaneus  within  sight  of  the  Temple^  and  at 
the  saiSnaQ  time  fl^or  to  his  hapless  Friends,  but  m  a  separate  tomb,  is  what 
I  canaot  copsider  as  In  the  least  inconsistent  >vith  unity  of  place. 


>< 


THE  StJPPLfANTS.  6\ 

Of  hamari  life  is  shoi%  and  should  be  pass'd 
With  every  comfort,  not  iir  anxious  toils. 

[^Exeunt  theseus  and  adbastvs. 

CHORUS.  "* 

ODE. 

I. 

No  more  a  Mother's  happy  name 
Shall  crown  my  fortunes  or  exalt  my  fame. 
Midst  Argive  Matrons  blest  with  generous  heirs. 

Of  all  the  parent's  hopes  bereft. 
By  JDian,  patroness  of  childbirth  left, 

Ordain'd  to  lead  a  life  of  cares, 

To  wandering  solitude  consign'd, 
I  like  a  cloud  am  driven  befpre  the  howling  wind. 

II. 

We,  seven  unhappy  Dames,  deplore 
The  seven  brave  Sons  we  erst  exulting  bore, 
Illustrious  champions  who  for  Argos  bled : 

Forlorn  and  childless,  drench'd  in  tears 
Downward  I  hasten  to  the  vale  of  years. 

But  am  not  number'd  with  the  dead 

Or  living :  a  peculiar  state 
Is  mine,  on  me  attends  an  unexampled  fate. 

HI. 
For  me  nought  now  remains,  except  to  weep : 

In  my  Son's  house  are  left  behind 
Some  tokens  ;  well  I  know  those  tresses  shorn 

Whiph  no  wreath  shall  ever  bind. 

No  auspicious  songs  adorn. 

And  golden-hair'd  Apolto  scorn. 

With  horror  from  a  broken  sleep 

Rous'd  by  grief  at  early  morn 
My  crimson  vest  in  gushing  tears  I  steep* 

But  I  the  pyre  of  Capaneus  behold 
Already  blazing,  near  his  sacred  tomb 

k2 


52  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

Heap'd  high ;  and  plac'd  without  the  fane,  those  gifts 
Which  Theseus'  self  appropriates  to  the  dead: 
Evadne  too,  the  Consort  of  that  Chief, 
Who  hy  the  thunderbolts  of  Jove  was  slain. 
Daughter  of  (27)  noble  Iphis  is  at  hand. 
Why  doth  she  stand  upon  the  topmost  ridge 
Of  you  aerial  rock,  which  overlooks     ^ 
This  dome,  as  if  she  hither  bent  her  way  ? 

EVADNE,  CHORUS. 

EVADNE, 

ODE. 

I. 

What  cheering  beams  of  radiant  light 

Hyperion  darted  from  his  car, 

And  how  did  Cynthia's  lamp  shine  bright. 

While  in  the  skies  each  glittering  star 
Rode  swiftly  through  the  drear  abodes  of  night. 

When  Argive  youths  a  festive  throng 

T'  accompany  the  nuptial  song 
For  Capaneus  and  me  awak'd  the  lyre  ? 

Now  frantic  hither  am  I  home 
Resolv'd  to  share  my  Lord's  funereal  pyre/ 


(27)  Thou^  the  word  <sya|  is  rendered  rex  in  aU  the  Latin  versions  I 
have  met  with,  except  that  of  Dorotheus  Camillas^  printed  at  Basil  in 
1541,  vrho  has  very  judiciously  translated  it  excellens  vir,  it  is  very  evi- 
dent that  this  personage,  whom  Carmelli  calls  il  Re  Ife,  had  not  the  least 
pretensions  to  royalty,  but  was,  as  Mr»  Markkmd  expresses  it  in  his  not» 
on  the  873d  line  of  this  Tragedy^  unus  ex  principibus  Argivis,  a  man  of 
hi^  rank,  but  apparently  of  a  very  inconsiderable  fortune,  his  son  Eteo- 
dus  being  represented  by  Adrastus  as  having  lived  in  a  state  of  absolute 
indigence,  a  circumstance  which,  notwithstanding  his  noble  descent,  and 
the  honorable  employments  he  is  said  to  have  filled,  needed  not  to  have 
called  forth  an  exclamation  of  surprize  from  the  last  mentioned  Com- 
mentator; as  Athens  (if  not  Argos),  long  after  the  days  of  Theseus,  and 
even  subsequent  to  those  of  Euripides,  had  no  occasion  to  refer  to  the 
stage  for  such  a  character,  but  experienced  in  Phocion  the  same  uncor- 
nipted  integrity,  and  poverty  united  with  power  in  a  degree  far  beyond 
what  is  by  the  Poet  fabled  of  Eteochu, 


THE  SUPPLIANTS.  53 

With  him  to  enter  the  same  tomb. 
End  with  him  this  life  forlorn, 
In  Pluto's  realms;  the  Stygian  gloom. 
If  Heaven  assent,  the  most  deh'ghtful  death 
Is  when  with  those  we  love  we  mix  our  parting  breath. 

CHORUS. 

Near  to  its  mouth  you  stand  and  overlook 
The  blazing  pyre,  Jove's  treasure,  there  is  lodg'd 
Your  Husband  whom  his  thunderbolts  transpierc'd* 

EVADNE. 
II. 

Life's  utmost  goal  I  now  behold. 

For  I  have  finished  my  career: 

With  stedfast  purpose  uncontrord 

My  steps  doth  Fortune  hither  steer. 
In  the  pursuit  of  honest  fame  grown  bold. 

Am  I  determin'd  from  this  steep 

Into  the  flames  beneath  to  leap. 
And  mine  with  my  dear  Husband^s  ashes  blend ; 

I  to  the  couch  of  Proserpine, 
With  him  in  death  united,  will  descend. 

Thee  in  the  grave  I'll  ne'er  betray : 

Life  and  wedlock  I  resign. 

May  some  happier  spousal  day 
At  Argos  for  Evadne's  race  remain. 
And  every  wedded  pair  such  constant  loves  maintain. 

CHORUS. 

But,  lo,  'tis  he !  I  view  your  aged  Sire, 
The  venerable  Iphis,  who  approaches 
As  a  fresh  witness  of  those  strange  designs  ^ 

Which  yet  he  knows  not,  and  will  grieve  to  hear. 

IPHIS,  CHORUS,  EVADNE. 

IPHIS. 
O  most  unhappy!  hither  am  I  come, 
A  miserable  old  man,  with  twofold  griefs 
By  Heaven  afflicted ;  to  his  native  land. 


54  THE  SUPPtlANTS. 

The  body  of  Eteoclus  my  Son 

Slain  by  a  Theban  javelin,  to  convey, 

And  seek  my  Daughter,  with  impetuous  step. 

Who  rush'd  from  her  apartment ;  in  the  bond 

Of  wedlock  she  to  Capaneus  was  join'd. 

And  wishes  to  accompany  in  death 

Her  Husband  ;  for  a  time  she  in  my  house 

Was  guarded,  but  since  I  no  longer  watch'd  her, 

*Midst  the  confusion  of  our  present  ills 

She  scap'd  ;  but  we  have  reason  to  suspect 

That  she  is  here  ;  inform  us,  if  ye  know. 

EVADNE. 

Why  do  you  question  them  i  here  on  this  roek 
I,  O  my  Father  o'er  the  blazing  pyre 
Of  Capaneus  stand,  hovering  like  a  bird. 

IPHIS.     , 

What  gale  hath  borne  thee  hither?  or  what  means 

That  robe,  my  Daughter  ?  wherefore,  from  thy  home 

Departing,  to  this  region  didst  thou  fly  P 

EVADNE. 

*Twould  but  exaspemte  you  to  be  inform'd 
Of  my  intentions:  therefore,  0  my  Sire„ 
Am  I  unwilling  you  should  hear. 

IPHIS. 

What  schemes 
Are  these  which  thy  own  Father  may  not  know? 

EVADNE. 
In  you  I  should  not  find  an  equal  judge 
Of  my  intentions. 

IPHIS. 
But  on  what  account 
Thy  person  with  that  habit  hast  thou  grac'd  ? 

EVADNE. 

A  splendid  action,  O  my  Sire,  the  robe 
I  wear,  denotes,      * 

IPHIS, 

lU-suited  is  a  garb 


/     4 


THE  SUPPLIANTS.  65 

So  costly  to  tlie  matron  who  bewails 
Her  H  usband's  death. 

EVADNE. 

For  an  unheard-of  purpose 
In  gay  habiliments  am  I  attir'd. 

IPHIS. 
Why  stand'st  thou  near  the  grave  and  blazing  pyrei 

EVADNE. 

Hither  I  come  to  gain  a  mighty  conquest. 

IPHIS. 
O'er  whom  would'^t  thou  prevail  ?  I  wish  to  know. 

EVADNE. 

O'er  every  woman  whom  the  Sun  beholds. 

IPHIS. 

By  Pallas  in  the  labours  of  the  loom 
Instructed,  or  with  a  judicious  soul 
That  best  of  gifts  endued  ? 

EVADNE. 

With  dauntless  courage : 
For  in  the  grave  I  with  my  breathless  Lord 
Shall  be  united. 

IPHIS. 

What  is  it  thou  say'st? 
Or  with  what  views  a  riddle  thus  absurd 
Hast  thou  propounded? 

EVADNE. 

Hence  into  the  pyre 
Of  Capaneus  will  I  leap  down. 

IPHIS. 

My  Daughter^ 
Before  the  ihultitude  forbear  to  hold  •• 

This  language. 

EVADNE. 

There  is  nothing  I  have  said 
But  what  I  wish  that  every  Argive  knew. 

IPHIS. 
Yet  will  I  not  consent  thou  should'st  fulfil 
Thy  desperate  purpose. 


56  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

EVADNE,  asBheU  throwing  herself  from  the  Rock, 

It  is  all  the  same  : 
Nor  can  you  now  by  stretching  forth  your  hand 
Stop  my  career.     Already  have  I  taken 
The  fatal  leap,  and  hence  descend,  with  joy. 
Though  not  indeed  to  you,  yet  to  myself. 
And  to  my  l«ord,  with  whose  remains  I  blaze. 

CHORUS. 

Thou  ha3t  committed  an  atrocious  deed, 
O  woman. 

IPHIS. 

Wretched  me  !  I  am  undone, 
Ye  Dames  of  Argos. 

CHORUS. 

Horrid  are  these  ills 
Which  thou  endur'st,  the  deed  thine  eyes  behold 
Is  the  most  daring. 

IPHIS. 

No  man  can  ye  find 
Than  me  more  miserable, 

CHORUS. 

O  wretch  I  a  (28)  portion 
Of  Oedipus's  fortunes  was  reserved 
For  thee  in  thy  old  age  ;  thou  too,  my  city. 
Art  visited  bv  the  severest  woes. 

IPHIS. 

Why  was  this  privilege,  alas !  denied 
To  mortals,  twice  to  flourish  in  the  bloom 
Of  youth,  and  for  a  second  time  grow  old  ? 
For  in  our  houses,  we^  if  aught  is  found 
To  have  been  ill  contrived,  amend  the  fault 
Which  our  ma turer  judgement  hath  descried  ; 
While  each  important  error  in  our  life 

(28)  **  Because  one  of  hfs  children  perished  by  a  voluntary  death,  and 
''  through  her  own  fault,  like  Eteocles  and  Polynices  the  two  Sons  of 
**  Oedipus.  Hence  in  the  Thebaid  of  Statius,  Creon,  lamenting  the  fate 
*^  of  his  son  Mouecens,  says,  Oedipodi  par  est  fbrttma  doloris  ac  mihi." 

Marklano* 


THE  SUPPLIANTS.  57 

Admits  of  no  reform  :   but  if  with  youth 

And  ripe  old  age  we  twice  had  been  indulg'd. 

Each  devious  step  that  mark'd  our  first  career 

We  in  our  second  might  set  right.     For  children. 

Seeing  that  others  had  them,  much  I  wish'd, 

And  pin'd  away  with  vehement  desire  : 

But  if  I  had  already  felt  these  pangs. 

And  from  my  own  experience  learnt,  how  great 

Is  the  calamity,  to  a  fond  Father, 

To  be  bereft  of  all  his  hopeful  race, 

I  into  such  distress  had  never  fallen 

As  now  overwhelms  me,  who  begot  a  youth 

Distinguished  by  his  courage,   and  of  him 

Am  now  depriv'd.     No  more.     But  what  remains 

For  me  ?  wretch  that  I  am,   shall  I  return 

To  my  own  home,  view  many  houses  left 

Without  inhabitants,   and  waste  the  dregs 

Of  life  in  hopeless  anguish,  or  repair 

To  the  abode  of  Capaneus,  with  joy 

By  me  frequented  while  my  Daughter  liv'd  ? 

But  she  is  now  no  more,   who  lov'd  to  kiss 

My  furrow'd  cheeks  and  stroked  this  hoary  head. 

Nought  can  delight  us  more  than  the  attention 

Which  to  her  aged  Sire  a  daughter  pays  ; 

Though  our  male  progeny  have  souls  endued 

With  courage  far  superior,  yet  less  gently 

Do  they  these  soothing  offices  perform. 

Will  ye  not  quickly  drag  me  to  my  home. 

And  in  some  dungeon's  gloomy  hold  confine. 

To  wear  away  these  aged  limbs  by  famine  ? 

Me,  what,  alas,  can  it  avail,  to  touch 

JSiy  Daughter's  bones !  what  hatred  do  I  bear 

To  thee,  O  irresistible  old  age ! 

Them  too  my  soul  abhors  who  vainly  strive 

To  lengthen  out  our  little  span  of  life; 

By  th'  easy  vehicle,   the  downy  couch. 

And  b}'  the  boasted  aid  of  magic  song. 


58  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

Labouring  to  tura  aside  from  his  career 
Remorseless  Death  :  when  they  who  have  no  longer 
The  strength  required  to  serve  their  native  Jand, 
Should  vanish,  and  to  younger  men  give  place. 

SEMICHORUS. 
Lo.  there  the  bones  of  my  slain  Sons,  who>se  ^^orses 
Already  in  funereal  pyres  have  blaz'd, 
Are  borne  along.     Support  a  weak  old  Woman  2 
The  pangs  which  for  my  Children's  loss  I  feel 
Deprive  me  of  all  strength.     I  long  have  mourn'd. 
And  am  enervated  by  many  griefs. 
Can  any  corse  severer  be  devis'd  » 

For  mortals,  than  to  see  their  children  dead?  ^ 

(29)  BOY. 

O  my  unhappy  Mother,  fiom  the  flames 

(29)  This  speaker  does  not  appear  to  be  any  new  personage  now  for 
the  first  time  introduced  on  the  stage,  but  one  of  the  Sons  of  tht  seven 
Oiicf"!,  who  appeared  witli  Acbustus  and  the  Chorus  on  the  first  Dp^niag 
of  tliis  Tragedy.  Barnes  supposes  tliis  Boy  to  be  Sthenelus  the  sop  of 
,  Capaneus ;  and  here  it  may  be  proper  to  observe,  that  as  on  the  one  hand 
Iphis'  calling  him  tixvot  is  by  no  means  concUisive,  nei^er  on  the  dther 
does  the  expression  fJuAtf  api  ear  to  add  the  least  force  to  the  objections 
urged  against  Barnes  by  Heath  and  lilarkland,  because  |uu4ip  hue  meats 
GiTuidmother,  as  in  the  Iphigenia  in  Aulis  nojep  ToX^-  stands  for  Tataus 
the  Giandtather  of  Euryalus :  and  Pelens  in  the  Andromache  calls  bis 
Son  Acliilles,  and  his  Grandson  Neoptolemus  both  rvaa.  That  the  yontii, 
whoever  he  is,  accosts  his  Grandmother  by  the  term  fmlip  t^  evident  from 
his  saying  mt'  sT  wo-*  <m  ratwi,  "  Thy  children  are  no  more,"  wliicfa  sounds 
as  if  addressed  to  the  Wife  of  Iphis,  the  Mother  of  Eteoclus  and  £vad- 
ne :  but  it  would  be  peculiarly  unnatural  for  Sthenelus,  who  had  just 
seen  his  Motiier  leap  into  the  ikunes,  to  take  haixlly  any  notice  of  her 
death,  while  he  breaks  out  into  such  vehement,  lamentations. over  }fis 
Father  slain  in  battie.  Eustathiiis  in  his  commentary  on  Homer*s  Iliwl, 
L«i  vf,  V.  407,  has  included,  in  the  list  of  tlie  Epigoni,  Melon  the  So|i,of 
•  Eteoclus,  whom  I  apprehend  to  be  tlie  Boy  her^  speaking.  In  thelbl- 
lowing  dialogue  I  have  been  guided  by  Barnes  and  Mr.  MarklanU  in  tiie 
distribution  of  the  speeches :  theifs  I  cannot  bat  coastder  as  far  more 
judicious  tlian  that  of  their  successors.  Nor  does  Iphis'  closing  a  former 
speech  with  "  its  being  fit  for  an  old  Man  to  give  place  to  his" juniors,*' 
ty  any  means  induce  me  to  conclude  that  he  there  leaves  the  stage,  as  sup-» 
posed  by  Mr.  Tyrwhkt  in  his  appendix  toDr«  MongtHte't  ExeMitatioocs 


THE  SUPPLIANTS.  59 

I  bear  my  Father's,  relics,  which  my  sorrows 
Have  made  more  weighty  :   this  smull  urn  contains 
All  my  possessions, 

SEMICHORUS. 

Why  dost  thou  convey 
The  sad  and  pleasing  cause  of  many  teais 
To  the  afflicted  Mothers  of  the  slain, 
A  litlle  heap  of  ashes  in  the  stead 
Of  those  who  in  Mycenaj  were  renown'd  ? 

BOY. 
But  I,  a  wretched  Orphan,  and  bereft  , 
Of  my  unhappy  Father,  shall  receive 
For  my  whole  portion  a  deserted  house, 
Tom  from  the  lutehuy  arms  of  him 
To  whom  I  owe  my  birth. 

SEMICHORUS. 

Where,  where  are  those 
Whom  sorrowing  I  brought  forth,  whom  at  my  breast 
With  a  maternal  tenderness  I  rear'd. 
Their  slumbers  watch'd,  and  sweetest  kisses  gavef 

BOY. 

Your  Children  afe  departed,  they  exist 
No  longer^  O  my  Mother,  tliey  are  gone  . 
For  ever,  by  devouring  flames  consum'd  ;   - 
In  the  mid-air  they  float,  borne  on  light  wing 
To  Plu$o.     O  my  Sine,   for  sure  thou  hear'st 
Thy  Children*s  lamentations,  shall  I  bear  ^ 

The  shidd  hereafter  to  avenge  thy  death? 

IPHIS. 

May  the  time  copie,  my  Son,  when  the  just  Gods 
To  me,  shall;  for  thy  valiant  Father's  death 

in  Euripidem :  the  sentiment  K««Ii"ij>tW  ayaXjut'  o4«p«  (pj;  (  or  crt)  pt)^,  will 
I  ^prehend  to '  most  readers  seem  Veiy  nat\iral  in  the  Mouth  of  Iphis ; 
whereas  notlfiiig  cm  be  mote  f  e  reTerse  than  to  make  tiie  Chorus  .oay 
(as  Mr.  Tyrwhitt  and  ]>r^  MutHiprave  have  done)  <<  I  shall  no  more  belidd 
**  the  dear  image  of  thy  Mother,"  wh«n  the  Chorus  consults  of  the  M«» 
thers  of  the  slain  Chiefs. 


60  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

A  full  atonement  grant :  that  grievous  loss 
Jn  this  torn  heart  yet  rankles  unappeas'd. 

BOY. 

I  our  hard  fortunes  have  enough  bewail'd. 
My  sorrows  are  sufficient.     I  will  take 
My  stand  where  chosen  Grecian  chiefs,  array'd 
In  brazen  arms,  with  transport  will  receive  me 
Tb'  avenger  of  my  Sire.     E'ea  now  these  eyes 
Behold  thee,  O  my  Father,  on  my  cheeks 
A  kiss  imprinting,  tho*  the  winds  have  borne 
Tby  noble  exhortations  far  away. 
But  thou  hast  left  two  mourners  here  behind,         • 
Me  and  my  Mother  i  venerable  man, 
No  time  can  from  thy  wounded  soul  efface 
The  grief  thou  for  thy  Children  feerst. 

IPHIS. 

The  load 
Of  anguish  which  I  suffer  is  so  great 
That  it  hath  quite  o'ercome  me.     Hither  bring. 
And  let  me  clasp  those  ashes  to  my  breast. 

BOY. 
These  bitter  lamentations  have  I  heard 
With  strea^ming  tears;  they  rend  my  inmost  soul. 

IPHIS. 
Thou,  O  my  Son,  ait  lost;  and  I  no  more 
Thy  Mother's  dear,  dear  image  shall  behold. 

THESEUS,  ADRASTUS,  IPHIS,  CHORUS. 

THESEUS. 

Behold  ye,  O  Adrastus,  and  ye  Dames 
Of  Argive  racc',  these  Cliildren,  in  their  hands 
Bearing  the  relics  of  their  valiant  Sires 
By  me  redeem'd?  Athens  and  I,  these  gifts 
Oil  you  bestow  :  still  are  ye  bound  to  cherish 
A  memory  of  those  benefits,  obtain'd 
Thro*  my  victorious  spear.     To  all  I  speak 
In  the  same  terms.     With  honour  due  "repay 


THE  SUPPLIANTS.  6i 

This  city,  and  the  kindness^  which  from  us 
Ye  have  experienc'd,  to  your  children's  children 
Transmit  thro*  latest  ages.     But  let  Jove 
Bear  witness,  with  what  tokens  of  our  bounty 
Ye  from  this  realm  depart. 

ADRASTUS. 

Full  well  we  know 
What  favours  you,  O  Theseus,  have  conferred 
Upon  the  Argive  land,  when  most  it  needed 
A  Benefactor;  hence  will  we  retain 
Such  gratitude  as  time  shall  ne'er  efface. 
For  we,  the  generous  treatment  which  from  you 
We  have  received,  as  largely  should  requite. 

THESEUS. 

Is  there  ought  else  I  can  bestow  f 

ADRASTUS. 

All  hail; 
For  you  and  Athens  every  bliss  deserve. 

THESEUS. 

May  Heaven  this  wish  accomplish  !  and  may'st  thou 
My  friend,  with  equal  happiness  be  crown'd. 

MINERVA,  THESEUS,  ADRASTUS,  IPHIS, 

CHORUS. 

MINERVA. 
Attend,  O  Theseus,  to  Minerva's  words. 
And  thou  shalt  learn  what  thoa  must  do  to  serve 
This  country ;  give  not  to  the  boys  these  bones 
To  bear  to  Argos,  on  such  easy  terms 
Dismissing  them.    But  to  requite  the  toils 
Of  thee  and  of  thy  city,  first  exact 
A  solemn  oath,  and  let  Adrastus  s\^ear. 
For  he,  its  King,  for  the  whole  Argive  realm 
Is  qualified  to  answer,  and  be  this 
The  form  prescribed ;  ^'  Ne'er  will  Mycene's  sons 
'^  Into  this  land  a  hostile  squadron  lead, 
"  But  hence,  with  their  protended  spears,  repell 


62  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

''  Each  fierce  invader."     If  the  sacred  oath 

They  impiously  should  violate,  and  march 

Against  thy  city,  pray  that  utter  ruin 

May  light  on  Argos,  and  its  pcijur'd  state. 

But  where  the  Gods  require  that  thou  shalt  slay 

The  victims,  I  will  tell  thee  ;  in  thy  palace 

On  brazen  feet  a  massive  tripod  stands 

Which  erst  Alcides,  when  the  walls  of  Troy 

He  from  their  basis  had  o'erthrown,  and  nish*d 

New  labours  to  accomplish,  gave  command. 

Close  to  the  (30)  Pythian  altar,  should  be  placed. 

When  on  this  tripod  thou  hast  slain  three  sheep. 

The  destin'd  victims,  in  its  hollow  rim 

Inscribe  the  oath  ;  then  to  that  God  consign 

M'ho  o'er  the  Delphic  realm  presides  :  such  tablet  - 

To  Greece  shall  testify  the  league  ye  form. 

But  in  the  bowels  of  the  earth  conceal 

The  knife  with  which  the  victims  thou  hast  slain, 

For  this,  when  shewn,  should  they  hereafter  come. 

With  armed  bands,  this  city  to  assail, 

Will  strike  Mycene's  warriors  with  dismay. 

And  their  retain  embitter.     When  these  rites 

Thou  hast  performed,  the  ashes  of  the  dead 

Send  from  this  region,  and  to  them  assign 

That  grove,  in  which  their  corses  have  by  fire 

Been  purified,  the  spot  where  meet  three  roads 

Sacred  to  th'  (31)  Isthmian  Goddess.    This  to  thee> 


(30)  Dramatic  Poets  are  seldom  accurate  in  their  Chronology ;  apcni 
referring  to  the  word  Th^un  in  Saidas,  I  find  the  TempU  of  Apollo  at: 
Athens,  known  by  that  Aame,  was  erected,  near  seven  huadred  yettns 
afler  the  days  of  Theseus,  by  Pisistratus ;  and  it  appears  from  Thucy^ 
dides,  L.  vi.  c.  54,  that  the  aUar  here  spoken  of,  (which  that  Historian^ 
who  was  some  years  younger  tlian  Euripides,  informs  us  was  standing  ill 
his  time)  owed  its  foundation  to  Pisistratus,  son  of  Hippias,  and  grand- 
son to  the  celebrated  tyrant  of  that  name  who  built  the  temj^e. 

(31)  "  Ino,  or  Leucothea,  to  whom  the  rock  in  the  Isthmus,  where 
"  she  threw  herself  into  the  sea,  was  afterwards  deemed  sacred :  it  is 
**  evident  from  Pausania»,  that  many  places  in  the  Peloponeus  bore  the 


THE  SUPPLIANTS. 


65 


O  Theseus,  have  I  spoken  :  to  the  Boys 
Who  spring  from  those  slain  Argive  chiefs  I  add  ; 
Ismenos^  city,  soon  as  ye  attain 
Maturer  years,  shall  ye  in  ruin  hiy, 
Retaliating  the  slaughter  of  your  Sires; 
Thou  too,  iEgialeus,  an  youthful  Chief,  i 

Shalt  in  thy  Father's  stead  command  the  host. 
And  marching  from  JEtolia's  reuhn^  the  Son 
Of  Tydeus,  Diomede  by  name;  the  down 
No  sooner  shall  o'erspread  your  blooming  cheeks, 
Thian  with  a  Jband  of  Ai-give  warriors  clad 
In  glittering  armour,  with  impetuous  rage. 
Ye  the  seven  Theban  turrets  shall  assail ; 
.  Them,  in  your  wrath,  shall  ye^  in  manhood*s  prime, 
^  Like  whelps  of  lions  visit,  and  lay  waste 
The  city.     What  I  have  foretold,  ere  long 
Will  be  accomplish'd.     By  applauding  Greece 
Caird  the  Epigoni,  ye  shall  become 
A  theme  for  your  descendants'  choral  songs. 


^<  nameoflno,  who,  in  her  flight  towards  the  Isdimus,  is  said  to  have 
^'  passed  over  Gerauia,  a  mountain  ofMegara,  which  juts  out  into  the 
*'  sea,  and  is  situated  between  Eleusinia  and  the  I&thmus.  The  Argire 
"  chiefs  were  buried  near  the  road  between  Eleusine  and  Megara,  which 
"  appears  to  have  been  situated  at  the  foot  of  Gerania :  she  must  there- 
"  fore  liave  passed  through  Eleusinia.  Is  it  not  probable  then,  that,  at  the 
'^  time  of  her  being  tiiere,  she  should  have  sat  down  at  some  spot  where 
<<  three  ix)ads  meet,  either  from  not  knowing  which  path  to  take,  or 
''  through  fatigue;  or  at  least  that  such  an  account  should  have  been 
'^  forged  and  obtained  credit  among  the  people^  whence  the  place  after* 
«<  wards  retained  her  name  from  the  tradition  of  such  event,  whether  tnie 
or  false?  moreover,  tiiat  no  one  may  consider  this  as  spoken  at  random, 
it  is  proved  by  tlie  testunony  of  Plutarch,  Sympos.  5,  prob.  3«  that 
there  was  a  place  in  Megara  which  derived  its  name  from  the  flight 
"  of  Ino.**  Dr.  Musgrav£. 

Had  our  Author's  Tragedy  of  Ino,  several  fragments  of  which  are 
still  extant,  been  transmitted  to  us  entire,"  it  would,  in  all  probability, 
have  entirely  cleared  up  this  point.  But  the  above  is  so  satisfactory  a 
defence  of  the  vulgar  reading  and  punctuation,  tliat  I  omit  troubUng  the 
reader  witli  the  attempts  of  Brodaeus,  Barnes,  and  Marklaud,  to  apply 
what  is  here  said  of  the  Deity  of  the  Istlmnus  rather  to  Diana  or  Neptune. 


« 


(( 


« 


64  THE  SUPPLIANTS. 

Such  squadrons  ye  to  battle  shall  lead  forth 
Favoured  by  righteous  Jove* 

THESEUS. 

Thy  dread  injunctions^ 
Minerva,  aweful  Queen,  will  I  obey  : 
For  I,  while  thou  direct'st  me,  cannot  err. 
I  from  Adrastus  will  exact  that  oath. 
Deign  only  thou  to  guide  my  steps  aright. 
For  to  our  city  if  thou  prov'st  a  friend 
We  shall  enjoy  blest  safety. 

CHORUS. 

Let  us  go, 
Adrastus,  and  eternal  friendship  swear 
To  Theseus  and  his  city,  for  the  toils 
They  have  endur'd,  our  grateful  reverence  claim. 


!i 


4 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 


Saepiiisoliin 
ReHgio  peperit  scelerosa  atque  impia  facta : 
Aulide  qoo  pacto  Trivial  virgmis  Aram 
Iphianassai  tnipamnt  sanguine  foede 
Ductores  DaMom,  ddecti,  prima  Tironmu 


▼OL.        II 


.  *^ 


PERSONS  OF  THE  DRAMA. 


AGABfEMNON. 

AN  AGED  ATTENDANT. 

CHORUS  OF  DABfES  OF  CHALCI8. 

MENELAUS. 

MESSENGER. 

CaLYTEMNESTRA.  f 

IPHIGENIA. 

ACHIIXG8. 


SCENE— THE  COAST  BORDERING  ON  THE  HATEN  OF 

AUI18  IN  BOEOTIA. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS- 


AGAMEMNON,  AN  AGED  ATTENDANT. 

AGAMEMNON. 

v/oME  forth,  my  aged  follower,  from  this  tent. 

ATTENDANT* 

I  come.  Bat  what  fresh  scheme  employs  the  thoughts 
Of  royal  Agamemnon  i 

AGAMEMNON. 
Thou  shalt  hear. 

ATTENDANT* 

I  haste.    Old  age  gives  keenness  to  these  eyesj 
And  makes  them  strangers  to  sleep's  balmy  gifts, 

AGAMEMNON. 

What  star  now  holds  his  course  i 

ATTENDANT. 

Tis  Sirius  borne 
Near  the  seven  Pleiades  in  mid  career. 

AGAMEMNON. 

No  sound  is  heard,  or  from  the  feathered  choir. 
Or  ocean's  waves ;  the  silei\|Lwinds  still  keep 
Euripus  in  a  calm. 

ATTENDANT. 
But  why  rush  forth^ 
My  Sovereign,  from  your  tentf  for  o'er  this  coast 
Of  Aulis  still  an  universal  rest 
Prevails,  and  station'd  on  yon  walls  remain 
The  centinels,  in  motionless  array. 
Shall  we  go  in  ? 

AGAMEMNON. 

Thee,  O  thou  aged  inan, 
Happy  I  deem/  and  happy  all  who  live 

7  12 


68  IPHIGEXIA  IN  AULIS. 

From  danger  free,  inglorious  and  unknown  : 
But  those  on  whom  great  honours  wait^  I  bold 
Less  to  be  envied* 

ATfEKDANt. 

Hence  doth  life  acquire 
Its  splendour. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Yet  such  splendour  oft  is  found 
Precarious.     Empire,  tempting  to  the  view. 
Comes  laden  with  affliction.     For  some  God, 
To  whom  our  homage  was  not  duly  paid. 
At  times  our  prosperous  fortunes  hath  o'erthrown  z 
Again,  a  Monarch's  transitory  bliss, 
By  the  discordant  froward  wills  of  those 
We  rule,  hath  been  embitter'd. 

ATTENDANT. 

In  a  King 
I  blame  such  language.     From  a  mortal  Sire 
You  spring  not  to  receive  unmingled  good, 
O  Agamemnon  :  Atreus'  son  must  feel 
Vicissitudes  of  joy  and  grief,  the  lot 
Of  human  kind  :  reluctance  nought  avails. 
For  thus  hath  Heaven  ordain'd.     You  snatch  the  torch 
And  write  that  very  letter,  which  your  hand 
Still  bears  irresolutely,  then  erase 
The  signature,  seal,  break  it  open,  dash 
The  (I)  tablet  on  the  grUBnd,  shed  many  a  tear, 

(1)  "  The  younger  Racine,  himself  a  Poet,  justly  praises  this  piature 
«  as  admirable,  in  the  Mem.  of  tlie  Acad,  des  Inscript.  T.  viii.  p.  290. 
"  Ovid  has  witli  great  success  transferred  the  thought  of  £urq[>ide8^ 
"  copied,  I  apprehend,  from  hence,  to  Biblis  preparing  to  reveal  by 
"  letter  her  incciituous  love  to  her  Brother  Caunus  j 

"  Incipit;  etdubitat,  scribit,  damnatque  tabellas ; 
"  Et  notat :  ct  dclet ;  mutat,  ciilpatque  probatque, 
**  Inque  viccra  siimtas  ponit,  positasque  resumit. 

Met,  L.  ix.  v.  5^» 
"  The  pencil  t1  en  in  her  fair  hand  she  held, 
«  By  fear  discouraged,  but  by  love  compell'd, 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  C9 

And  shew  such,  wild  confusion,  that  your  hrain 
Seems  touched  with  frenzy.    Wherefore  laboring  heaves 
Your  bosom ;'  what  n6w  grievance  wounds  my  Lord  ? 
To  me  reveal  your  cares,  and  be  assur'd. 
You  to  a  faithful  and  a  virtuous  man 
Will  utter  them.     Me,  Tyndarus,  with  your  Bride 
Erst  sent  as  an  addition  to  her  dower, 
An  upright  guardian  to  the  royal  fair, 

(2)  AGAMEMNON. 

To  Leda,  from  5itolian  Thestius  sprung, 
Were  born  three  Daughters;  Phoebe,  Clytemnestra 
My  wife,  and  Heleuj  to  whose  love  aspired 
The  wealthiest  youths  of  Greece;  each  rival,  threats 
Of  murderous  vengeance  utter'd,  if  he  fail'd 
To  win  the  Maid,  her  Father  hence  remained 
Long  in  suspeme,  whether  he  should  bestow  (3) 
Or  not  bestow  htr,  and  on  wavering  Fortune 

"  She  writes,  then  blots,  writes  on,  and  blots  again, 
«  Likes  it  as  fit,  then  rases  it  as  vain.'' «  S.  Harvey* 

Vaikenacr  Not.  in  Hippolytum,  p.  299* 
Barnes,    Carmelli,  and  others,  understand  by  nctocw  ^<  a  torch,"  bat 
Valkenaer  is  foUowed  by  Mr.  Markland  and  Dr.  Musgrave,  in  interpret* 
ing  it  of  the  tablet  made  of  the  wood  of  the  pine  tree,  on  whii;fa  Agamem- 
non was  writiifg  his  letter. 

(2)  This  speech,  though  interwoven  virith  the  dialogue,  is  evidently, 
calculated  only  to  give  information  to.  the  Spectators,  as  the  Attendant 
to  whom  it  is  addressed,  could  be  no  stinger  to  the  history  of  Tyndams*! 
family,  in  which  he  had  resided  as  a  i^Rant  till  the  marriage  of  Aga* 
memnop  ^d  Clytemnestra :  the  following  fragment  however,  pi«6erve4 
by  ^lian,  and  cited  as  from  this  play,  is  with  great  probability  supposed, 
by  Dr.  Musgrave,  to  have  formed  part  of  the  Prologue,  which  appean 
lo  have  been  spoken  by  Diana. 

^    A  Hind  with  brandling  horns,  I  in  the  bands 
Of  Grecian  Chiefs  will  place,  which  they  shall  slay, 
And  deem  tliat  they  have  sacrific'd  thy  Daughter. 

(3)  "  This  seems  taken  from  .^chylus : 

<*  A^cu  tty   'jjn  S^ai  Ti,  xou  rvyrff  thitf,  Suppl.  V.  384^ 

Perplex'd  I  fear 
^<  To  act,  or  not  to  act,  and  fix  my  choice."  Potier^ 


70  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

How  with  most  surety  be  might  fix  hU  hold : 

At  length  this  thought  occurr'd^  he  made  them  sweigr^ 

Join  hands  in  token  of  the  sacred  league^ 

Sprinkle  libations  as  the  victims  blaz'd, 

And  biad  themselves  with  curses  to  assist 

That  favoured  youth  who  for  his  bride  obtained 

The  bright  Tyndarean  nymph,  and  from  bis  house 

If  any  ravisber  should  bear  away 

The  lovely  prize,  to  war  with  all  their  might 

Against  him^  and  his  city  overthrow^ 

Greek  or  Barbarian.    But  their  plighted  troth 

When  they  had  given,  soon  as  the  aged  Tyndarus 

Had  overreach'd  them  by  this  sage  device 

His  Daughter  be  permitted«to  select 

One  of  her  suitors>  as  the  welcome  gale 

Which  Venus  raises,  shoujd  direct  her  love. 

Her  choice  was  Menelaus :  would  to  Heaven 

He  never  had  obtained  her.     Put  from  Troy 

Fame  loudly  tejls  how  Paris^  who  had  judg'd 

Betwixt  contending  Goddesses^  arriv'd 

On  Sparta's  shore  with  glittering  vest  attir'd 

In  bumish'd  gold,  and  g^y  Sarbaric  pomp; 

He,  amorous  youth,  departing,  bore  away 

The  amorous  Helen,  .^nd  t:o  (da's  niount. 

On  which  he  fed  th^  lowing  herd,  convey*d 

In  Menelaus'  absence.  HenSe  thro'  Greece 

The  raging  Husband  flew,  and  by  that  oath. 

Which  they  to  Tyndarus  erst  had  sworn,  conjur*4 

Each  (4)  rival  chief  to  vindicate  his  wrongs. 

(4)  In  ApoUodorns  we  meet  with  a  list  of  Helen's  Snitoiv,  twenty* 
nine  in  number,  including  most  of  the  Grecian  lleroes,  celebrated  by 
Homer  in  his  Iliad,  except  Achilles :  Helen,  indeed,  in  the  Tragedy 
of  Euripides  which  bears  her  name,  speaking  to  Teucer,  says,  sho  ^ 
heard  that  Achilles  was  one  of  Helen's  lovers :  but  Pausanias  in  the  24th 
chapter  of  his  Laconica  is  clearly  of  a  different  ophuon,  and  considen 
Achilles,  from  what  he  himself  says  in  the  first  book  of  the  Iliad,  as  a 
volunteer  in  the  cause,  a  circumstance  very  essential  to  that  Hero'ft  duu 
racter,  whose  remaming  disguised  in  female  apparel  at  tiie  court  of  Ly" 


H>HIG£N|A  IN  AUUS.  71 

To  arms  hence  rushiag  with  impetuous  speed. 
The  Greeks  their  troops  assemble  in  these  straits 
OfAvlis;  ships  with  targets,  neighing  steeds 
And  brazen  cfaitriots  for  the  war  prepar'd : 
Ide  have  they  cfaoseQ  to  eommand  this  host. 
Because  I  am  his  Brother^  for  the  siike 
Of  Menelaus;  hot  this  rank  I  wish 
Another  in  my  stead  had  gained.    Our  troopf^ 
Collected  from  each  vanous  Grecian  realm^ 
Are  in  this  port^  bound  by  an  envious  calo^. 
{5)  But  after  hesitating  long^  the  Seer 
Calchas  this  dreadful  oracie  pronounced, 
That  Jphigenia  must  be  ofier'd  up 
Jn  sacrifice  to  Dian>  who  these  fields 
Inhabits,  that  our  fleet  shall  sail  auspiciootr 
And  conquer  Troy,  these  bloody  rites  performed. 
But  fail  if  we  neglect  them :  such  response 
SooQ  as  I  heard,  Talthybius  I  enjoia'd 

comedes  tin  he  was  discovered  by  Ulysses,  most  oanse  Utfk  Iq  SB^W  i^ 
a  very  dishonouable  ttgbt,  jif  previously  bound  by  as  oath  to  Tyndanw 
to  assist  in  the  recovery  of  his  Daughter;  a  reproach  which  is  wholly 
obviated  by  ApoUodoros's  account  of  his  being  «oq>v!^ped  to  the  Island  of 
Scyrot  in  disgune^  at  the  time  of  his  being  only  nine  gwars^mge^  by  Ip 
Mother  Thetis,  who  foresaw  his  perishing  in  the  war  against  IVoy . 

(5)  The  expression  eewofta  xtxf^tAivos  rendered  by  Barnes,  cum  v^de 
;aDgeretar  animo,  is  more  literaOy  translated  in  the  old  version  under  ti»e 
name  of  Dorotheus  Gamillus,  usus  haesitatiotte.  Cannelli,  in  his  note, 
lexplains  it,  quid  agendum  esset  pendens  aninu.  In  the  tale  forged  by 
Sinon  in  Vugil,  the  account  of  the  reluctance  shewn  by  Calchas  t»  di- 
rect a  human  victim  to  be  slain  at  the  altar,  so  nearly  resembles  what 
is  here  sud  of  him,  that  it  strikes  me  as  probably  suggested  by  the  words 
fiftie  made  use  of;  Ulysses  being  also  there  privy  to  Uie  transaction. 

Bis  quinos  silet  iUe  dies :  tectusque  recusat. 

Frodere  voce  su&  quemquam  aut  opponere  morti. 

^n*  L,  ii.  v.  126. 
Vnexeeptionable  as  the  text  appears,  and  though  we  hear  of  no  manu* 
sei^t  tiiat  (fissents  from  this  reading,  which  is  that  of  Aldus  and  Barnes, 
not  to  mention  a  catalogue  of  other  editors,  Reiskiiis  proposes  altering 
•«"fu  into  ifcin^;,  Heoisterhusius  substitutes  xfxfifxi**  for  ytr^^Am; ;  and 
Hei^,  Mtrkland,  and  Dr.  Mnsgrave,  prefer  xi^fipim; ;  but  I  am  not 
able  to  discover  any  reason  they  have  for  wishing  to  change  the  textt 


n  IPHIGENU  IN  AUUS. 

By  proclamation  to  disbahd  the  host,  7 

Resolving  that  I  never  would  permit 

My  Daughter  to  be  slain ;  till  me  at  length  \ 

By  every  argument  my  Brother  won 

To  undertake  an  office  most  abhorr'd. 

I  wrote,  and  to  my  Wife  dispatch'd  the  scroll^ 

That  hither,  as  Achilles'  de»tin'd  Bride,- 

Our  Daut2:hter  she  should  send  :  I  of  his  rank 

Full  highly  spoke,  and  said  he  would  not  join 

The  fleet,   unless  a  Consort  of  our  lineage 

Were  borne  to  Phthia.     These  persuasive  word» 

I  to  my  Wife  ^ddress'd :  the  virgin's  nuptials 

Are  but  a  fiction  craftily  devis'd, 

Calchas  alone,  of  all  the  Grecian  host, 

Ulysses,   Menelaus,  and  myself. 

Know  the  true  fact.     My  unadvis'd  decrees 

Are  justly  countermanded  in  this  letter 

Which  thou  beheld'st  me,  mid'st  the  gloom  of  nightj 

Opening  and  folding  up  again.     But  go. 

And  take  it  hence  to  Argos  :  the  contents. 

Yet  unreveal'd,  in  words  will  I  explain 

To  thee  at  large,  because,  thou  to  my  Wife, 

And  th'  interests  of  my  house,  still  faithful  prov'st. 

ATTENDAJ^T. 

.  Inform  me  what  they  are,  so  shall  my  tongue. 
Agree  with  the  commissions  of  my  Lord. 

AGAMEMNON. 

'*  After  n^y  former  letter,  I  again      ,  /  7 
^-  To  thee,  O  progeny  of  Led^,  wrjte ; 
^'  Thy  Paugbter  to  Eubcea's  winding  shores  (6) 

(6)  The  Enripus  was  so  narrow  jn  tl^e  part  where  it  separated  ^ulis, 
jnbach  is  situated  in  the  province  of  BoBotia,  from  Chalcis  in  the  island  of 
i^uboea,  that  v^e  find  mention  made  by  Strabo,  of  a  bridge  of  commimi« 
cation  being  there  thrown  over  it.  Tiie  Choros  indeed  ip  the  ensuing 
Ode  represent  themselves  as  having  passed  by  water  from  Chalcis  to 
Aulis.  In  th^  transposition  of  the  two  lines  spoken  by  the  Attendant, 
and  throwing  the  contents  of  the  letter  mto  one  continued  8|4t|cb,  }  bi^vf 
tbf^ed  the  directions  of  Beisluasi  M^rUand,  and  Musgntvet 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  7$  ^ 

^  And  Aulis'  havefu  send  iiot,  we  her  nuptials 
''  Will,  at  a  future  season,  celebrate." 

ATTENDANT. 

But  of  bis  promised  Consort  when  depriv'd 
Will  not  Achilles  instantly  burst  forth 
Into  a  storm  of  anger  against  you 
And  Clytemnestra  ?  in  this  too  there  lies 
Much  danger:  speak  your  thoughts. 

AGAMEMNON. 

With  his  name  only 
Achilles  furnishes  us ;  in  the  maid 
He  hath  no  real  interest,  nor  knows  aught 
Of  such  espousals :  to  my  present  schemes 
An  utter  stranger,  never  hath  he  heard 
How  I  my  Daughter  calTd  his  destin'd  Bride  (7) 
Pretending  to  consign  her  to  his  arms. 

ATTENDANT. 
IVlost  shocking  was  this  enterprise,  O  King, 
Having  pronouiic'd  her  thus  the  fiiture  Wife 
Of  Thetis'  son,  your  Daughter  to  these  shores 
A  victim  for  the  Greeks,  would  you  have  brought* 

AGAMEMNON. 
Alas !  I  was  pot  in  my  perfect  mind. 
The  snares  of  fate  entangle  me:  but  hence 

(7)  ^*  From  tbjs  form  of  speech  ive  leam,  that  after  such  ghriog  hif 
*^  Daughter  the  name  of  her  intended  husband,  she  would  no  loogef 
f'  be  called  simply  Iphigenia,  but  Achiiles's  Iphigenia*  Penelope^  im 
^^  Ovid's  Epistles^  refers  to  this  custom, 

'^  Tua  sum  tua  dicar  oportet  i 
"  Penelope  conjux  semper  Ulyssis  ero.** 

Still  am  I  yours,  and  this  distinction  claimy 
Still  to  be  caird  by  your  dlustrious  name^ 
And  to  the  latest  period  of  my  lOPs, 
Remain  Penelope  Ulysses  wife, 

Mr.  Markland,  from  whom  I  have  extracted  the  above,  proceeds  with 
p,  variety  of  other  instances,  some  of  which  seem  apposite  to  the  pur- 
pose, and  others  utterly  foreim  from  it,  particularly  KUuT^efoc  Ayo^uifit 
from  Herodotus,  L.  vi*  131,  wluch  there  evidently  means  Agarista,  th« 
Ptughter,  and  not  tb«  affianced  Bhde  or  Wife  of  Cliatfaenei» 


74  IPHI6ENIA  IN  AUUS. 

■ 

Proceed  with  active  8tep^  nor  let  old  age 
Betard  thy  journey. 

ATTENDANT. 

O  my  Lord^  I  ha«te. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Where  groves  o'erhang  the  fountains,  sit  not  downi| 
Mor  yield  incautious  to  bewitching  Sleep. 

ATTENDANT. 

Forbear  that  word  ill-omen'd.  (8) 

AG^EMNON. 

As  thou  tread^st 
Where  the  roads  separate,  watchfully  observe 
On  rapid  axle  lest  a  car  whirl  by. 
And  bear  my  Daughter  to  the  Grecian  fleet. 

ATTENDANT. 

This  sbaU  be  done. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Away,  and  if  thon  meet 
Their  chariot,  seize  the  reins,   and  send  them  back. 
To  those  fam'd  cities  which  the  Cyclops  rear'd. 

(8)  Sieq>  being  coiuidered  by  the  antienti  as  the  Brother  <^Deilli, 
aecording  to  Homer, 

£v9'  rwhi  UufjiJShfhf  wffrff^  ^emiiw,  H.  zhr.  T.  231. 

And  seeks  the  cave  of  Death's  ha]f-brother  Sleep.       Popx. 

Bi  fike  mumer  among  the  fonns  miiich  JEneas  metis  with  m  Vugi  9t 
kb  entrance  on  the  infernal  regbuji  i|re 

Lethomqve,  hiborqne 
Tom  ctHuangnineas  Letfai  sopor.  JEja.  L.  vi.  t,  279* 

Here  toils  and  Death  and  Death's  half-Brother  Sleep.  Drtdsh. 

Is  HeskMPs  Generation  of  the  Gods,  Death  and  Sleep  are  represented 
m  having  Night  for  their  Mother  vrithoot  any  Father.  g 

VvS  f   irtyu  ivyt^  n  Mop,   scat  xng«  fxiXwyfliy, 

Oflnft  i(MfJi.r0tta-tt  Qtn  rcxi  Nv|   cgf&yrf.  Tbeog.  T.  CClIf 

Now  darksome  Night  fhiitiVil  began  to  prove 

Without  the  knowledge  of  connubial  love. 

From  her  black  womb  sad  Destifiy  and  Fate 

Death,  Sleep,  and  numerous  Dreams  derive  their  date.    Coons* 


IPHIGENU  IN  AUUS.  75 

ATTENDANT. 

Buthow^  if  I  speak  thus^  shall  I  find  credif^ 
Or  with  your  Daughter  or  the  royal  Dame? 

.     AGAMEMNON. 

The  seal,  which  on  that  letter  I  have  stamp'd^ 
Preserve  unbroken.    Go,  for  Morn  lights  up 
Her  torch  already,   and  Hyperion's  steeds 
Breathe  fire.    Assist  my  toils.     Unmingled  bliss 
Till  ends  this  fleeting  life,  hath  none  obtain'd; 
The  man  exempt  from  grief  was  never  born.    [JSromf. 

CHORUS. 

ODE. 
I.   1. 

To  Aulis'  sandy  coast  I  steer*d  my  way,    /  (r  -f 

Thro'  Euripus'  billowy  straits 
Which  separate  from  this  winding  bay 

Chalcis^  my  native  city,  to  whose  gates 

Diffusing  riches  o'er  the  genial  soil 
(9)  Fam'd  Arethuse  conducts  her  spring. 
And  hastes  her  tributary  waves  to  bring 

To  the  dread  ruler  of  the  main  : 
That  I  might  see  yon  host  o'erspread  the  plaio^ 
And  the  stout  sailors  with  obdurate  toil. 
The  tough  oar  plying,  and  unfurl'd  each  sail. 

The  Demigods  of  Greece  convey : 

Our  Husbands  tell ;  in  gallant  pride 
A  thousand  vessels  plough  the  azure  tide ; 

Brave  Menelaus  sheath'd  in  mail. 
And  Agamemnon,  o'er  the  watery  way 
For  Troy  conduct  them,  Helen  to  regain 

From  Eurotas'  reedy  plain 
Whom  Paris  bore,  a  gift  the  Queen  of  Love 

Promis'd,  when  at  the  fount  she  strove 

(9)  Tkus  likewise  Plby ;  Eaboeii  fonte  Arethusft  noblGs. 

Nat.  Hist  I*  iv«o.21« 


* 


76  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  • 

With  Juno  and  Minerva,  where  her  eyes 
The  golden  apple  won,  superior  beauty's  prize* 

1.  ^, 

With  victims  strewn,  I  pass'd  Diana's  grove. 
Blushes  tmg'd  my  glowing  cheek, 

But  youthful  ardour  bid  me  rove, 
A  new  and  wondrous  spectacle  to  seek. 
The  camp  inirench'd,   the  tents,  and  numerous  steeds. 
Two  social  Chiefs,   each  Ajax,  there 
My  eyes  beheld,  this  brave  Oileus'  heir, 
That  drew  from  Telamon  his  birth  ; 
The  pride  of  Salamis,  his  parent  earthy 
Protesilaus  too;  in  flowery  meads 
(10)  Sp<»rting  with  sculptured  dice  the  warriors  lay  ; 
Then  Palamedes,  Nauplius  Son 
Of 'Neptune  was  his  Sire,  and  near 
Whirling  a  quoit  did  Diomede  appear ; 

(10)  The  "word  ni<7Tro?,  <wliich  likewise  occurs  in  the  Medea,  v.  61?, 
and  tlie  Suppliant^  v.  409,  has  been  productive  of  much  controversy  an<i 
various  intei  pretations,  some  rendenng  it  Dice  and  others  Ches»,  In  tlie 
first  book  of  Homer's  Odyssey,  the  suitors  of  Penelope  are  represented 
as  playing  at  this  game.  The  explanatory  terms  made  use  of  by  tlie 
Scholiast  are  Ku^  and  "^ri^ :  Pope  translates  it  Chess,  and  refers  us  to 
Athenapus,  who  has  preserved  a  circumstantial  account  of  the  manner 
in  which  Apion  the  Grammarian  relates  that  Cteson  an  inhabitant  of 
Ithaca  informed  him,  that  the  suitors  played  at  this  game,  which  ap« 
pears  to  be  of  a  distinct  species  from  either  tiice  or  Ches$^  Herodotus 
asserts  that  the  Lydians  in  the  reign  of  Atys  son  of  Manei,.  were  the 
discoverers :  Twy  muSw  xoi  tuv  cmtt^o^v  wa  m;  cr^^  and  every  other  spe- 
cies of  games  except  twv  Tlsa-awvj  the  invention  of  which  is  unanimously 
ascribed  to  Palamedes  at  the  siege  of  Troy.  The  reader,  who  is  curious 
in  these  matters,  will  fkid  the  subject  largely  discussed  by  Eustathiust 
p.  1396,  ed.  Romae  1550  :  and  Meursius  in  his  treatise  de  Ludis  Gneco- 
rum.  Freret  in  the  Academic  des  Inscriptions,  v.  6«  hist.  p.  252,  asserts 
that  the  game  of  Chess  was  unknown  till  the  fifth  century,  and  origi- 
nated from  an  Indian  B'i'amin :  the  circumstance  which  strikes  me  as 
giving  a  decisive  weight  to  his  account  is,  that  Zasr^xior  the  Greek  word  for 
Chess,  said  to  be  derived  from  Uie  Persian  language,  is  unknown  to  tlio 
more  antient  writers  and  lexicographers,  but  occurs  in  the  Scholig  to 
Theocritus*  Idyll,  vi.  v.  18.  Meursius  Glossarium  GraecorBarbarum,  et 
Da  Cange  Glossarium  ad  Scriptores  mediae  et  infimae  Graecitatis, 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  7t 

Astonished  multitudes  survey 
Merionesy  far  fam'd  for  trophies  won. 
Who  from  the  God  of  War  his  lineage  boasts. 
And  from  the  wave-encirerd  coasts 
Of  Ithaca,  for  mountains  steep  renown'd, 
Laertes'  Son  in  arms  was  found, 
Accompanied  by  Nireus  to  the  field, 
(11)  To   whose  engaging   form   each   Grecian   Chief 
must  yield. 

I.  3. 
Achilles  too  1  saw,   whose  agile  feet 
Equall'd  in  their  career  the  passing  wind. 
Him  Thetis  bore,  and  Chiron  form'd  his  generous  mind. 

Close  by  the  shore  where  lay  the  anchored  fleet ; 
In  arms  he  strove  with  emulative  pace 

From  rapid  steeds  to  win  the  race. 
But  with  loud  shouts  Eumelus  whirl'd  along,  (12) 
Four  coursers  graceful  to  behold 
Caparison'd  with  studded  gold 

(11)  This  Ode  being  in  a  great  measure  borrowed  from  the  catalogue 
•f  the  Grecian  fleet  in  the  second  book  of  the  Iliad :  Uic  beauty  of  Nireufi, 
on  which  Homer  so  much  expatiates ,  naturally  claims  a  place  for  him 
in  this  account  of  the  Heroes,  given  by  the  Dames  of  Chalcis^  who  form 
the  Chorus,  notwitltstaufhog 

Few  his  troops,  and  small  tiis  stiength  in  arms.  Pope. 

In  tiie  sixth  book  of  Quintns  Calaber,  Nireus  falls  by  the  spear  of 
Earypylus.  It  may  seem  extra*  rdinary  that  the  Tragic  Poet  should  thus 
join  Ulysses  and  Nn*eus,  two  persons  of  manners  as  unsuitable  to  each 
other,  as  the  islands  over  which  they  rei^jned  were  remote;  Syma,  whence. 
Homer  mentions  Nireus  bringing  tliree  ships,  and  of  which  Diodoms 
Sicnlns  also  informs  us  he  was  King,  being  according  to  Strabo,  one  of 
those  islands  which  are  at  ne  great  distance  from  the  coast  of  Caria, 
with  the  main  continent  of  Greece,  and  large  tracts  of  ocean  between 
that  and  Ithaca.  In  Homer,  Ulysses  commands  twelve  ships.  II.  L.  xii. 
▼.  631—637. 

(12)  Homer  gives  Enmehis  two  mares  whose  superior  speed  to  any 
horses  in  the  Grecian  camp  is  celebrated  II.  1.  li,  v.  76o—7C)7;  and  in 
the  Chariot  race,  at  the  funereal  Games  of  Patroclus,  ihry  arc  at  tlie 
point  of  obtaining  him  the  prize^  when  he  is  thrown  from  his  scat  by 


76  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

Onward  he  drove,  and  wavM  his  lengthened  thong ; 
White  spots  adorn'd  the  two  that  bore  the  yoke, 
Two  moi  e  abreast,  in  slighter  harness  wheel'd 
The  gliding  car,  which  scarce  impress'd  the  field  ; 
Their  solid  hoofs  with  oft-repeated  stroke 
DashM  on  ;  yet  they  obey'd  the  reins, 
Dappled  their  legs,  flame-colour*d  were  their  manes^ 

Yet  could  not  speed  like  theirs  avail 
T*  outstrip  Pelides,  with  unwearied  force 

Minerva,  who  favours  his  competitor  Diomede :  Eumelus  brings  elevea 
Aips  from  Pherea,  mentioned  v.  711.  715.  among  the  ^talogne  of  the 
Grecian  forces.    That  the  reader  may  not  be  interrupted  with  a  note  to 
erery  sentence,  I  here  proceed  with  my  references  to  the  secmid  book 
of  the  Iliad,  where  the  Myrmidonaln  fifty  ships  commanded  by  AcMOet 
are  mentioned,  v.  681—685,  tiie  division  from  Argos,  over  which  Dio- 
mede is  first  in  conunand,  Stheuelus  second,  and  Euryalus  third,  consists 
of  eighty  ships,  v.  559'*-568 ;  the  ships  of  Athens  here  conmianded  by 
tiie  Sen  of  Thesens  (either  Acamas  or  Demophoon)  instead  of  sixty,  are 
fifty,  under  Menestheus,   whose  reign,  though  its  duration  was  more 
tiian  twenty  years,  we  find  (as  I  have  had  occasion  to  mention  in  a  note 
<m  tiie  Hecuba,  and  as  appears  more  fully  from  the  Tragedy  entitled  The 
Children  of  Hercules)  is  entirely  passed  over  by  Euripides,  who  makes 
Acamas    and  Demophoon  the  immediate  successors  of  their  Father 
TheseuSji  v.  546 — 556 ;  the  fifty  ships  of  the  Boeotians  under  Peneleus, 
Leitns,  and  three  other  Chiefs,  have  120  warriors  in  each,  v.  49^—510; 
the  Phocians  (who  are  here  but  just  mentioned)  have  forty  ^tups  com. 
nanded  by  Schedius  and  Epistrophus,  v.  517—^26 ;  the  Locrians  the 
same  number  under  AjaxO'ileus,  v.  527—535 ;  the  division  firom  Mycene,. 
an  hundred,  commanded  by  Agamemnon  himself,  v.  569—580 ;  from 
Pylos  and  other  parts  of  Messenia,  90  under  Nestor,  v.  591—^2 ;  instead 
of  twelve.  Homer  mentions  twenty  two  sliips  from  iEnia  in  Thessdy  and 
the  regions  bordering  on  Dodona  in  Epirus,  commanded  by  Gnneus,  v, 
748— 755  >  the  troops  of  Elis  (sometimes  called  Epeans,  from  one  of 
their  kings  Epeus,  Son  of  Endymion,  mentioned  by  Paosanias  in  the 
commencement  of  his  fifth  book)  came  in  forty  ships  under  fiHurleadeiSi 
one  of  them  Thalpius  the  Son  of  Eurytus ;  tttesame  number  firom  the 
islands  called  Echinades,  situated  near  the  mouth  of  the  river  Adieloos 
in  ^tolia,  under  Meges,  v.  625—630 ;  the  twelve  ships  firom  Salamis, 
under  Ajax  Telamon,  v.  557.    Only  part  of  the  Grecian  fleet  is  here 
mentioned  by  Euripides,  who  sometimes  does  not  specify  the  number  of 
ships,  but  wherever  he  does,   his  lis^  accords   tn    thie  reject  with 
Homer's;  the  Tragic  Bard  havmg  only  taken  away  ten  ships  from tiie 
squadron  of  the  JExaiam  in  order  to  add  them  to  tfaat«f  Hs  f  owtQriMli 
the  Athenians, 


tPHIGENiA  IN  AUttl  7» 

Hard  by  the  spokes  he  held  his  course^ 
Tho*  cas'd  in  cumbrous  mail. 

11.  1. 
Then  onward  to  their  numerous  ships  I  came^ 
Stnpendolis  objects^  with  delight 
Each  spectator  to  inflame. 
And  strike  a  wondering  female's  dazzled  si^t. 
With  fifty  barks,  were  plac'd  in  the  right  wing 

The  Myrmidons  from  Phthia's  land : 
On  each  high  poop,  the  sculptor's  mimic  hand 
In  golden  imagery  expressed 
A  lovely  Nereid  in  cerulean  vest. 
Achilles'  dauntless  troops  these  ensigns  brings 
Next  stood  the  Argive  fleet,  whose  numerous  bands 
Of  Sailors  plied  the  dashing  oar, 
'Twas  by  Mecisteus'  offspring  led 
fioiyalas,  his  Grandsire  Talaus  bred 
The  stripling,  and  that  high  command. 
With  him  fierce  Sthelenus  united  bore. 
The  Son  of  Theseus  from  th'  Athenian  strand 

With  sixty  barks  for  combat  mann'd 
Near  these  was  station'd ;  on  each  burnished  car 

Seen  from  the  lofty  deck  afar. 
Auspicious  sign  to  guard  them  from  the  storm ; 
The  Mariners  revere  Minerva's  pictui^d  form* 

IL  «. 
FaU  fiAy  ships,  I  saw,  Boeotia's  fleet. 

With  victorious  ensigns  grac'd. 

The  Dragon  stretcht  at  Cadmus'  feet 
Embossed  in  gold,  on  every  beak  was  plac'd. 
O'er  these  did  earth-born  Leitus  command : 

But  the  next  barks  from  Phocis  came. 
With  equal  numbers  bearing  Locris'  name 

Oileus'  ofispring  Ajax  join'd 
The  fleet,  and  left  fam'd  Thronium's  walls  behind : 
But  Agamemnon,  with  a  mightier  band^ 


80  '  IPHIGENIA  IN  AtJLM. 

.     Mycene  by  the  Cyclops  tear*d>  forsook, 

An  hundred  sail  the  Monarch  brought^ 

(13)  His  steps  Adrastus  did  attend. 
And  with  the  zealous  courage  of  a  friend 

The  general's  arduous  post  partook  ; 
Thro'  Greece,  with  unremitting  ardour  fraught^ 
He  urg'd  each  warrior  to  pursue  the  Dame 

Who  yielded  to  a  foreign  flame, 
And  from  her  bridal  mansions  basely  fled. 

With  aged  Nestor  at  their  head 
The  barks  of  Pylos  full  in  sight  displayed 
Alpheus,  with  cloven  hoofs,  on  every  poop  conveyed. 

IK  3. 

Twelve  vessels  JGnift  furnish'd,  and  its  king 

Guneus  presided,  Elis'  sons  next  came^ 

(13)  Commentators  have  varied  greatly  in  their  explanations  of  tliii 
passage.  Some  think  Adrastns,  King  of  Argos,  and  afterwards  of  Si* 
cyon,  is  here  introduced  through  a  poetical  licence,  thouglb  lus  death 
was  previous  to  the  siege  of  Troy.  In  Barnes's  version  ive  find  Adrastot 
hand  fngitnrus  Menelaus;  and  Mr.  Markland  concurs  in  sapposmg 
A^porof  to  mean  that  Hero  :  but  I  rather  apprehend  ug  91X0;  ^>m  to  de- 
note the  person  here  mentioned  to  have  been  a  subject  of  Agamemnon 
whom  he  admitted  to  the  familiarity  of  a  friend ;  nor  is  it  proVable,  that 
any  confederate  Sovereign  should  be  described  as  his  assistant  in  marshal- 
ling that  particular  division  of  tlie  fleet  which  attended  him  from  Mycene^ 
and  least  of  all,  his  Brother,  Menelaus,  who,  as  Homer  informs  us, 
launched  a  separate  squadron  of  sixty  ships  from  his  own  Spartan  do- 
minions. Upon  the  whole,  I  can  discover  no  sufficient  motive  for  either 
altering,  or  putting  a  forced  construction  on  the  antient  reading,  by  rais- 
ing up  the  manes  of  the  dead.  This  Adrastus,  I  grant,  is  not  to  be  found 
in  Homer;  nor  is  it  material  to  our  present  inquiry,  whether  he  is  ¥dioUy 
passed  over  as  a  person  in  a  subordinate  station,  who  performed  no 
memorable  achievement,  or  whether  he  died,  or  like  Protesilans  md 
many  others  were  slain  by  the  enemy,  in  the  course  of^ose  moe  years, 
which  intervened  from  the  rendezvous  of  the  fleet  at  Aulis,  td  the 
last  year  of  the  Trojan  war,  at  which  period  of  time  the  Iliad  opens. 
Since  I  wrote  the  above,  I  have  consulted  the  note  on  this  passage  in  Ilia 
new  edition  of  Euripides  pnblislied  by  Dr  Musgrave,  who  with  great 
probability,  supposes  the  Adrastus  here  spoken  of  to  be  the  son  of 
Polynices,  mentioned  by  Pausanias,  who  had  an  hereditary  claim  by  hi^ 
Mother's  side  to  the  kingdom  of  Argos,  and  interprets  uy  fikoQ  f^  kit 
waving  all  private  enmity  in  support  of  the  general  cause  of  his  countiy. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  81 

Whom  from  their  antient  Lord  the  crowd  Epeans  name^ 
Them  to  the  war  did  stern  Eurytus  bring, 
From  the  Echinades  to  AuHs'  shores 

The  Taphians  pHed  their  lighter  oars, 
Meges  Gomnbanded,  who  from  Phyleus  springs, 
On  their  inhospitable  strand 
No  mariner  presumes  to  land. 
Closing  the  space  between  the  marshall'd  wings, 
Ajax,  the  prince  of  Salamis,  appeared. 
In  twelve  swift  barks,  conspicuous  to  our  view. 
His  sailors  I  observed  a  dauntless  crew  : 
The  ship,  by  a  Barbarian  pilot  steer'd 

To  grapple  with  such  foes,   no  more 
Shall  ever  homeward  ply  the  dashing  oar. 
Hail,  Aulis,  from  whose  sandy  plain 
These  eyes  delighted  saw  the  naval  host ; 
Th'  encampment  on  thy  peopled  coast 
My  memory  shall  retain. 

MENELAUS,  ATTENDANT,  CHORUS. 


ATTENDANT,  (to  MENELAUi,  who  is  farcing  the  Jjettenfnm  him.)  > 

Such  daring  violence,  such  open  wrong. 
Becomes  not  Menelaus. 

MENELAUS. 

Slave,  depart; 
Thou  carry'st  thy  fidelity  too  far. 

ATTENDANT. 

Reproaches  on  so  glorious  an  account 
But  do  me  honour. 

MENELAUS. 

Soon  shalt  thou  repent. 
If  thou  presume  to  act  a  part  ill-suited 
To  thy  low  rank. 

ATTENDANT. 

You  ought  not  to  have  open'd 
The  letter  I  convey, 

VOL.    II.  Q 


\  t 


\ 


8«  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS, 

MENELAUS, 

Nor  thou  to  have  borne 
That  scroll  with  mischiefs  fraught  to  every  Greek* 

ATTENDANT. 

Debate  that  point  hereafter,  and  release  it. 

MENELAUS. 

I  will  not  quit  my,  hold. 

ATTENDANT. 

Nor  will  I  metaly 
Surrender  up  my  trust. 

MENELAUS. 

This  sceptre  soon 
Shall  with  thy  blood  defile  that  hoary  head. 

ATTENDANT. 

To  perish  in  the  service  of  iny  Lord 
Were  sure  an  honourable  death. 

MENELAUS. 

liCt  go : 
Slave  as  thou  art,  presum'st  thou  to  harangue  f  * 

ATTENDANT. 

My  royal  Master,  [  am  wrong'd ;  thy  letter 
He  from  my  hands  hath  wrested,  nor  will  act 
As  justice  dictates. 

AGAMEMNON,  MENELAUS,  ATTENDANT, 

CHORUS. 

AGAMEMNON. 

What  tumultuous  sounds 
Burst  thro'  the  gates,  what  unbecoming  words  .^ 

ATTENDANT. 

My  tale,  not  his,  your  first  attention  claims. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Say,  Menelaus,  whence  this  struggle  rose? 
Why  didst  thou  drag  him  forcibly  along  ? 

[ExfV  ATTENDANT. 
MENELAUS,  holding  tup  the  Letter. 

Look  on  my  face  :  to  what  I  shall  unfold,   . 
This  is  the  prelude. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  83 

AGAMEMNON. 

Shall  not  Atreus'  son 
Open  his  eyes  without  dismay  ? 

MENELAUS. 

Behold  you 
These  characters  subservient  to  designs 
Most  infamous  ? 

AGAMEMNON. 

I  see ;  but  first  restore 
The  letter. 

MENELAUS. 

Not  till  I  its  foul  contents 
To  every  Grecian  leader  have  display'd. 

AGAMEMNON. 

What !  wert  thou  mean  enough  to  break  the  seal 
And  thence  discover  what  thou  should*st  not  know  ? 

MENELAUS. 

These  secret  roachiuaiions,  to  your  sorrow. 
Have  I  detected. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Tell  me  how  thou  cam'st 
To  intercept  my  letters  ?  O  ye  Gods, 
What  shameless  treachery  in  thy  soul  is  lodg'd ! 

MENELAUS. 

I  waited  for  your  Daughter  to  arrive 
From  Argos  at  the  camp. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Why  should'st  thou  watch 
Aught  that  is  mine  ?  betray  not  these  proceedings 
A  want  of  decency  ? 

MENELAUS. 

Because  my  will 
Did  instigate ;  because  I  am  no  slave 
To  your  behests. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Are  not  these  outrages 
G  2 


84  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  ] 

Most  daring  ?   shall  not  I  in  my  own  house 
Be  sufFer'd  to  bear  rule? 

MENELAUS.  ^ 

Your  crooked  schemes 
This  present  moment  vary  from  the  last. 
And  at  ttie  next  as  suddenly  will  change. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Thoushew'st  thy  skill:  yet  is  there  nought  more  hateful 
Than  the  vile  sophister's  insidious  tongue. 

MENELAUS. 

The  soul  that  wavers  is  devoid  of  justice. 
And  not  to  be  relied  on  by  our  friends. 
I  would  convince  you  ;  in  your  wrath  reject  not 
Th'  unwelcome  voice  of  truth.     I  cannot  flatter. 
Full  well  you  know  when  eagerly  you  sought 
To  be  the  general  of  the  Grecian  troops 
And  lead  them  on  for  Troy,  you  in  appearance 
Declining  what  you  wish'd  for,  humbly  squeezed 
The  meanest  of  the  people  by  the  hand. 
Your  doors  were  open'd  wide  for  all  who  chose 
To  enter,  and  to  each,  e'en  to  the  man 
Who  would  have  wav'd  such  honouri  in  his  tura 
You  courteously  gave  audience,  while  you  strove 
To  render  that  authority  your  own 
(14)  Which  yet  was  undisposed  of.     Having  gain'd 
This  point,  your  manners  instantly  you  chang'd. 
And  to  your  former  friends  no  longer  shew'd 
Th*  attachment  you  so  lately  had  profess'd,. 
Hard  of  access,  and  seldom  to  be  found 

(14)  The  phrase  »x  fxtaw,  which  Barnes,  and  Dr.  Musgrave  fiave  r^- 
dered  a  vulgo,  is  in  Mr.  Markland*8  version  quod  in  medio  jacebat.  The 
meaning  seems  to  be  tlie  same  with  that  given  by  the  interpreters  to 
commuuia  in  Horace,  where  he  says  in  his  Art  of  Poetry,  difficile  tst 
proprie  communia  dicere,  by  which  they  understand  the  difficulty  of 
writing  on  a  new  subject,  or  what  lies  open  to  all  men  and  is  yet  unap- 
propriated :  as  was  the  case  with  the  command  in  chief  of  the  Grecian 
forces  on  their  first  assembling,  each  squadron  being  led  by  the  King  op 
General  of  an  independent  state. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  85 

At  home.     But  when  in  highest  stations  plac'd. 

An  aher'd  carriage  ill  befits  the  man 

Of  real  virtue ;  to  his  friends  he  ought 

To  be  most  stedfast,  when  effectual  means 

Of  aiding  lliem  his  prosperous  fortune  yields. 

My  censure,  with  the  faults  I  first  perfceiv'd 

In  you,   have  I  begun  :   but  since  you  came 

To  Aulis  with  th'  assembled  troops  of  Greece, 

You  shrunk  to  nothing  :  Heaven's  impending  wrath 

With  consternation  fill'd  you  ;  prosperous  gales 

Arose  not :  the  impatient  host  exclaim'd  ^ 

*^  Disband  the  fleet,  nor  linger  here  in  vain." 

What  grief  and  what  confusion  did  those  eyes 

Express,    as  if  depriv'd  o^'  your  command 

Over  a  thousand  ships,  ere  you  have  cover'd 

The  fields  of  Priam  with  avenging  troops! 

To  me  you  then  applied  ;   '^  how  shall  I  act, 

*'  What  scheme  devise?"  lest  stripp'd  of  such. high  rank. 

You  with  your  power  should  forfeit  all  renown. 

Since  Calchas  at  the  holy  rite«  declar'd 

Your  daughter  to  Diana  must  be  given 

Id  fiacrifice,  that  on  these  terms,  the  host 

A  favourable  voyage  would  await, 

With  joy  you  promised  of  your  own  accord 

To  oflFer  up  the  victim,  and  dismissed 

A  messenger  (pretend  not  to  allege 

Twas  thi^r  constraint)  your  Consort  to  direct 

To  send  the  Virgin  hither,  on  pretence 

That  fihe  shall  wed  Achilles.     Now  you  change 

Your  purpose,  and  in  secrecy  dispatch 

Another  letter,  that  on  no  pretence 

Will  you  your  Daughter  at  the  altar  slay. 

Witness  thou  conscious  air,  for  §ure  thou  heard'st 

These  inconsistencies.    Too  many  act 

As  you  have  done,  in  labouring  to  obtain 

Afithority,  with  meanness  then  recoil; 

$om^>  by  the  ju<jgertLent  of  a  foolish  crowd, 


86  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

By  their  own  conscience,  others,  sway'd,  who  prove 

Too  feeble  to  maintain  the  public  weal. 

But  chiefly  I  lament  the  woes  of  Greece, 

Who  nobly  aiming  at  a  great  revenge 

'Gainst  those  Barbarians,  leaves  the  slaves  to  scoff 

At  our  repulse :  this  shame  she  owes  to  you. 

And  to  your  Daughter.     Kindred  ties  alone 

With  me  shall  ne'er  prevail  when  I  appoint 

The  ruler  of  a  city  or  the  chief 

Entrusted  with  the  conduct  of  an  host, 

A  general  should  be  eminently  wise  : 

Men  of  superior  intellects  were  born 

To  govern. 

CHORUS. 

O  how  dreadful  are  their  feuds 
When  brothers  fir'd  with  mutual  rage  contend  I 

AGAMEMNON. 

I,  too,  'gainst  thee  will  utter  my  complaints 
In  terms  concise  and  guarded,  not  replete 
With  impudence,  but  sage  fraternal  love» 
For  a  base  man  is  wont  to  have  no  sense 
Of  honest  shanie.    What  means  that  furious  look. 
Why  glare  those  blood-stain'd  eyesf  who  wrongs  thee 

speak 
What  are  thy  wishes  ?  hop'st  thou  to  obtain 
(15)  A  virtuous  Consort?  such  I  cannot  give. 
For  she  thou  hadst  was  lost  thro'  thy  misconduct*         ^ 
Must  I,  tho*  guiltless,  in  thy  stead  be  doom'd 

(15)  The  reading  of  the  Aldus  edition,  Xfx?^*  i^  yt  xffr»  >«SKff  has 
been  retained  by  Henry  Stephens,  Canterus,  Barnes^  and  ]>r.  Mvsgrtv^ 
either  without  any  variation^  or  such  as  is  inunaterial  to  an  English  readier; 
Mr.  Markland  has,  however,  i^  the  most  pereniptoiy  manner^  dictated 
an  alteration,  the  truth  of  which  he  says  he  thinks  it  impossible  .to 
make  any  doubt  of,  and  instead  of  t^  yr  %g>ir»,  reads  i^  xf^'^*  ^® 
meaning  of  the  passage  thus. new  modelled  is  <'do  ytmtrantto  kmte 
^^  my  Wife?"  not  a  single  manuscript  is  cited  in  its  support:  scriptans 
vestigia,  which  he  mentions  in  his  note,  seems  too  vague  an  expresiioii, 
and  no  such  traces  do  we  meet  with  in  any  other  editor.  Were  such 
reading  to  be  adopted,  I  greatly  question  whether  f^  Tragic  Muse^  ni 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  8? 

To  suffer?  can  a  Brother's  r^nk  offend f 

Yet  seek'st  thou  to  embrace  the  beautebus  Dame, 

Tho'  reason,  and  tho'  honour's  voice  forbid  ? 

The  pleasures  of  the  worthless  are  most  vile. 

If  I  who  judg'd  amiss  at  first,  have  chang'd 

On  thoughts  mature  my  purpose,  am  I  frantic? 

Thou  rather,  who  hast  lost  a  faithless  Wife, 

And  would'st  bring  back  the  pest  which  Heav'n  removed. 

The  Suitors,  that  insensate  amorous  train, 

Eng^g'd  themselves  to  Tyndarus  by  an  oath : 

But  Hope  became  their  Goddess ;  she,  I  deem. 

Had  more  effect  on  their  deluded  souls 

Than  all  thy  interest,  or  thy  vaunted  power. 

Collect  this  troop,  and  issue  to  the  field. 

Where,  of  thy  folly  soon  am  I  convinc'd 

Thou  ihe  effects  wilt  feel.     For  sure  the  Godg 

(16)  Are  not  devoid  of  wisdom,  but  perceive 

What  oaths  are  lawless  and  by  force  extorted. 

Altho'  thy  interests  may  require  such  breach 

any  age  or  country  whatever,  could  furnish  us  uritb  a  nore  striking 
breach  of  Horace!s  precept, 

Nee  qnicunque  Deus,  quicuncjue  adbibebitnr  Her^vi 

Regali  conspectus  in  auro  nuper  et  ostro, 

Migret  in  obscuras  humili  sermone  tabemas* 

*'  Who  lately  shone  a  Hero  or  a  Ood, 
^  Arrayed  iu  purple  robes  and  royal  gold, 

m 

^  Shall  not  adopt  the  Signage;  of  the  stews.**  Duncombb,  > 

The  fiinlts  of  Agamemnon's  character,  as  drawn  by  Homer  and  the 
tiiree  great  Tragic  Poets  of  Greece,  are  perhaps  as  conspicuous  as  his 
TirtneSy  but  they  are  not  defects  of  that  nature  as  to  reduce  him  to  a 
level  with  the  Rings  of  Lncian  and  Scarron,  or  afford  any  sanction  to 
the  Critics^  who  introdnce  him  holduig  such  language  as  is  suited  only  to 
old  Silenus,  or  the  tkunken  monster  Polypheme, 

(16X][[n  adding  the  line  Ov  yaf  wnnth  to  ^sun,  axx'  9y(a  <n/fuyeuj  preserved 
in  ilici  writings  of  Theoplmus  of  Antioch,  and  Stobasns,  Ht.  28* 
I  have  f(^owed  the  directions  of  Heath  and  Dr.  Mnsgrave;  the  maiiy 
eoiyectural  alterations  of  the  latter  m  ttus  speech  being  of  a  more 
questionable  nature,  J  do  not  presume  to  interfere  with  them,  but  endea- 
Tour^to  translate  in  the  best  manner  I  am  able,  what  I  apprehend,  from 
tlie  f^$iKrarrence  of  Aldus  anO  Barties,  to  be  ^e  more  gefitone  text 


88  IPHIQENIA  IN  AULIS. 

Of  justice,  I  my  children  will  not  slay, 
To  aid  thee  in  thy  vengeance  for  the  loss 
Of  an  abandouM  Wife.     By  night,  by  day. 
How  should  I  pine,  how  melt  away  in  tears. 
After  a  deed  thus  impious  against  those 
Whom  I  begot !    The  words  I  use  are  few, 
Clear  and  explicit*    If  thou  wilt  not  judge 

Aright^  my  firm  resolves  I  shall  maintaiiK 

CHORUS. 
This  and  your  former  language  disagrees. 
Yet  sure  'twere  right  our  children's  lives  tx)  spare. 

MENEIAUS. 

Have  I  no  friends  i  wretch  that  I  am  ! 

AGAMEMNON^ 

Thou  bast 
When  thou  those  friends  attempt'st  not  to  destroy. 

MENELAUS. 

How  will  you  prove  that  from  one  sire  we  sprung  ^  , 

AGAMEMNON. 

ff 

In  wisdom  would  I  sympathise  with  thee. 
But  not  in  madness. 

MENELAUS. 

Friends  are  boun^  to  iharc 
Their  friends*  afflictions. 

AGAMEMNON. 

When  by  me  thou  act*st 
A  generous  part,  remind  me  of  thos^  duties. 
Not  when  thou  griev'st  my  soul. 

MENELAUS. 

Ai«  you  then  loth   .. 
To  join  with  Greece  in  these  her  common  toils  ?        ' 

AGAMEMNON.  ', 

_  •  •    »• 

Greece  hath  be^n  been  stricken  by  some  envious  Goc| ;. . 
Her  frenzy  equals  thine. 

MENELAUS.- •  .';"'":     ' 

In  sceptr'ed  p6mp 
You  now  exalt,  nor  scruple  tvp.hp^fiy  . ;  ..  n^^  5 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  99 

A  Brother's  cause:  but  I  will  have  recourse 
To  other  stratagems  and  other  friends.  ' 

MESSENGER,  AGAMEMNON,  MENELAUS, 

CHORUS. 

MESSENGER. 

O  Agamemnon,  monarch  of  all  Greece, 
To  introduce  that  Daughter  am  I  come. 
On  whom  you  in  your  palace  erst  bestowed 
The  name  of  Iphigenia  ;  she  arrives 
Accompan^d  by  her  illustrious  mother 
Your  Consort  Clytemnestra,  and  your  son 
Orestes.     With  what  pleasure  will  ye  meet 
After  so  long  an  absence!  having  finished 
Their  tedious  journey,  at  the  limpid  fount 
They  lave  their  wearied  limbs ;  but  we  have  loos*d 
The  bridles  of  their  steeds,  that  they  may  gra?e 
Over  the  verdant  mead.     But  to  acquaint  you 
With  their  approach  was  I  sent  on  before. 
For  the  troops  J«now  already :  fame  hath  spread 
Thro*  the  whole  camp  glad  tidings^  that  your  Daughter 
Is  come  :  the  host,  with  a  tumultuous  haste^ 
Assemble  to  behold  the  rbyal  maid. 
The  blest  are  as  a  public  mark  expos'd 
To  wonder  and  renown.     But  some  enquire, 
''  Is  she  espoused,  or  what  are  their  designs? 
''  Impatient  for  a  sight  of  his  lov'd  daughterj 
^*  Did  Agamemnon,  our  illustrious  king, 
'*  Send  messengers  to  fetch  her :"  others  cry ; 
*'  For  her  ere  Hymen  waves  his  kindled  torch, 
^'  They  to  Diana,  who  in  Aulis  reigns, 
'^  Present  the  Nvipph  :  to  whom  shall  she  be  join'd 
*'  In  wedlock  V^  for  th*  initiatory  rites. 
Bring  canisters,  and  crown  your  heads  with  flowers. 
Pe  It  thy  care  t'  arrange  the  bridal  pomp, 
P  M'eQelaus,  let  tbe  pheer^ng  flute 


go  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

Thro*  each  apartment  sound,  and  dancers  move 
Their  active  feet:  for  with  its  orient  light 
This  morn  auspicious  to  the  virgin  dawns. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Tis  well.     But  O  retire :  for  all  beside. 
If  fate  befriend;  will  we  conduct  aright. 

lExit  MESSENGER. 

What  shall  I  say  ?  ah  miserable  me  ! 

(17)    With  thine  own  woes,  thou  wretch,  thy  plaints. 

begin. 
How  am  I  shackled  by  the  galling  yoke 
Of  dire  necessity  !  o'er  all  my  craft 
Fortune  with  mightier  wisdom  hath  prevail'd. 
But  what  a  privilege  belongs  to  those 
Of  humbler  stations!  they  with  freedom  weep. 
And  speak  of  their  afflictions :  but  the  man 
Whose  birth  is  noble,  feels  at  once  the  weight 
Of  all  these  evils :  thro'  each  stage  of  life  ,    * 

Aw'd  by  the  voice  of  others,  we  are  slaves 
To  a  vile  rabble.     Shame  withholds  the  tear 
Just  starting  from  these  eyes;  again  o'erwhelm'd 
With  griefs  unnumber'd,  blush  I  that  my  p[iourniog      r 
Is  thus  conceal'd.     Enough  :  but  in  what  terms 
Shall  I  accost,  or  how  receive  my  Wife,  .: 

How  teach  these  eyes  to  greet  her?   for  she, adds  ^ 

To  those  afflictions  I  already  feel,  »     . 

By  coming  uninvited:  yet 'tis  just 
That  she  a  much-lov'd  Daughter  should  attend,     ^         • 
At  her  espousals,  and  consign  the  maid 
To  a  fond  bridegroom's  arms  :  but  here  alas,  ./i   - 

(17)  ThefoUowing  passage  in  the  Hecuba,  i^wvpu  Xi>w  x«)«j-«  o-f,  E)M^ 
V.  736,  is  a  mode  of  speaking  similar  to  what  the  Poet  here  makes  use  of, 
and  the  context  clearly  shews  that  Agamemnon,  according  to  Caiteel- 
li*8  interpretation,  speaks  of  himseltlby  the  term a-^diy.  Itisnecettary 
to  premise  thus  much  in  support  of  the  genuine  text ;  asQrotiufiy.Mr. » 
Heath,  Mr.  Mainland,  and  Dr.  Musgrave,  have  all  attempted  to  lUV^rr  ^ 
Qiibe  it  by  their  cotijectural  alterations.  *'    ' 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  91 

She  my  perfidious  conduct  will  discern. 

As  for  this  wretched  Virgin  (but  why  call 

The  destin'd  Wife  of  Pluto  by  that  name  ?) 

How  do  I  pity  her !  methinks  I  hear 

The  suppliant  utteriug  these  reproachful  words, 

"  O  Father,  wilt  thou  kill  me?  may  thyself, 

(18)  "  May  they  thou  lov'st  experience  such  espousals/' 

Meantime  Orestes,  by  his  Sister's  side. 

With  inarticulate  expressive  notes. 

For  he  is  yet  an  infant,  shall  exclaim. 

How  did  the  son  of  Priam,  Paris,  cause 

My  ruin,  for  his  Bride  when  he  presum'd 

To  s|eize  on  Helen  !  thence  these  woes  I  date* 

CHORUS. 
Such  pity,  as  from  foreign  Dames  is  due 
To  the  afflictions  of  a  King,  I  feel. 

MENELAUS 

Give  me  your  hand,  O  Brother. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Take  my  hand; 
For  I  submit:  thou  triumph'st ;  but  my  lot 
Is  misery. 

MENELAUS. 

By  our  common  Grandsire's  shade^  ' 

I  swear,  by  mighty  Pelops,  lind  by  Atreus 
Our  Father,  that  to  you  I  in  plain  terms. 
The  real  dictates  of  my  heart  will  speak. 
And  banish  all  disguise.    When  I  beheld 
Your  streaming  tears,  compassion  bade  me  weep^ 
And  change  my  former  purpose :  now  no  more 
A  foe,  4x)  your  opinions  [  accede, 

(18)  AUnding  to  the  £ite  of  AgamemiKui  and  his  coiictiUne  Caflsandra, 
which  is  predicted  more  at  large,  with  all  its  concomitant  circumstances 
of  horror,  in  the  Agamemnon  of  JEschylus,  v.  1116— 1334  j  the  Trojan 
Captiyes  of  our  Author,  v.  SoT^  362 ;  ed.  Barnes,  445—^61  j  and  in 
Lycophron,  v.  1099<— 1119,  by  the  inspired  Cassandra  Jierself. 


Ot  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

Advise  you  by  no  means  to  take  away  ^ 

Your  Daughter's  life,  nor  to  my  interests  give 

Such  preference  :  for  'twere  not  just  that  you, 

While  lam  blest,  should  groan,  and  that  your  children 

Should  breathe  their  last,  while  mine  yet  view  the  Son* 

What  can  I  wish  for  ?  may  not  I  elsewhere, 

If  wedlock  be  my  purpose,  gain  a  Bride, 

Selected  from  the  noblest  Grecian  maids? 

But  shall  I  lose  a  Brother  justly  dear. 

My  treacherous  Consort  Helen  to  redeem. 

And  for  the  wicked  thus  exchange  the  good? 

As  youth  and  inconsiderate  rashness  prompt 

I  acted  erst :'  but  take  a  closer  view 

Of  these  transactions,  and  am  now  convinc'd 

What  horrors  wait  the  murderer  of  his  Children. 

Again,  while  pondering  on  our  kindred  ties, 

I  feel  compassion  for  this  hapless  Maid, 

Who  in  the  cause  of  my  perfidious  wife 

Is  doom'd  to  bleed :  for  what  hath  she  to  do 

With  Helen  ?  let  the  host,  djsbanded,  leave 

These  shores  of  Aulis :  but  no  longer  weep, 

O  Brother,  and  from  these  fraterni^l  eyes 

Cease  to  call  forth  th^  sympathising  tear*. 

If  the  responses  of  the  Gods,  which  olaim 

Your  Daughter's  life,  affect  you,  let  not  jne  .  i 

In  these  have  any  share: ;  for  I,  to  save    . 

The  Virgin,  my  own  interests  will  forego ; 

But  anxious  to  repeal  the  harsh  decree. 

Am  I  affected  by  a  virtuous  cause. 

And  to  »  natural  love  for  him  who  springs 

From  the  same  Father,  owe  this  sudden  change^ 

Such  is  the  temper  of  the  man,  whose  soul 

No  vicious  habits  warp,  he  ever  yields 

To  the  most  wise  suggestions. 

CHORUS. 

....  ,  Genejrous  wordi       »- 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  OS 

Are  these  which  thou  hlist  spoken,  and  fnost  worthy 
Of  Tantalus,  Jove's  Son  :  thou  wilt  not  shame 
Thy  great  progenitors. 

AGAMEMNON. 

O  Menelaus, 
I  praise  thee  ;  the  concessions  thou  hast  made 
Transcend  my  expectations,  they  become 
A  Brother. 

.       MENELAUS. 

Love  and  Avarice  have  dissolv'd 
Many  fraternal  ties:  my  sou]  abhors 
Such  bitterness  'tvvixt  those  of  the  same  house. 

AGAMEMNON. 

But  me  in  such  calamity  hath  fate 
Involved,  that  mj  own  Daughter  I  must  slay. 

MENEIAUS. 
Why  slay  her  ?  who  can  such  constraint  impose? 

AGAMEMNON. 

The  whole  assembled  armament  of  Greece. 

MENELAUS. 
They  cannot,  if  to  Argos  you  send  back  (IQ) 
The  host. 

AGAMEMNON. 

From  them,  thus  far  have  I  conceaPd 

(19)  Bmmoy  interprets  this  as  spoken  of  the  sending  back  Iphigema } 
and  Mr.  Markland,  whose  notes  on  the  tMFO  Iphigenias  bear  strong  markft 
of  being  written  more  hastily  than  those  with  which  he  favoured  the 
t)ublic  eigiit  years  before  on  the  SuppUants  of  Enripides,  proposes  otsutg 
ih  the  stead  of  a^,  ^hich  he  harshly  calls  '^ absurd:'*  but  Argos,  as  Dr. 
Musgrave  observes,  is  here,  and  in  a  v:iriety  of  other  places  in  Euripides, 
made  use  of  as  synonymous  with  all  confederate  Greece.  In  Homer  we  meet 
with  a  still  more  striking  instance  of  the  unresti^ained  signification  of  thci 
tvord  Argos,  or  rather  of  its  being  reduced  to  a  mere  expletive ;  TUKeuytim 
A^,  n.  L.  ii.  V.  681,  being  the  appellation  given  to  the  district  of  Pe- 
lasgia  in  Thessaly  :  at  the  satne  time  it  is  observable,  that  our  Tragic 
Bard  has  marked  out  the  city  of  Argos  (which,  according  to  a  passage 
in  the  Archclaus,  preserved  among  his  Fragments,  was  before  the  reign 
of  Cadmus  inhabited  by  the  Pelasgians,  whom  Eustathius  speaks  of  as  a 
wandering  nation,  scattered  over,  ail  Greece)  by  tlie  very  same  term  of 
HiJ^oKTyixcm  AjTOf,  which  occurs  both  in  the  Orestes  and  Phcenissae. 


94  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

All  that  hath  ^ass'd  :  but  this  I  cannot  hide. 

MENELAUS. 

.   What  mean  you  ?  shrink  not  thro*  immoderate  fear 
Of  a  base  rabble. 

AGAMEMN'ON. 

Calchas  will  unfold 
This  oracle  to  all  the  Grecian  Chiefs. 

MENELAUS. 

If  he  die  first,   he  cannot ;  and  with  ease 
Might  we  dispatch  him. 

AGAMEMNON. 

The  whole  race  of  Seers 
Are  mischievous,  and  ever  thirst  for  power. 

MENELAUS. 

A  worthless  and  unserviceable  crew. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Perceiv'st  thou  not  my  thoughts  ? 

MENELAUS. 

How  should  I  guesa 
What  you  declare  not? 

AGAMEMNON. 

By  the  subtile  seed  (20) 

(20)  Some  of  the  anticnt  writers  have  asserted,  that  Anticlea  wai 
ptegnant  by  Sisyphus  at  the  time  of  her  being  given  in  marriage  to 
Laertes;  and  accordingly  Sophocles  in  his  Philoctctes,  and  Euripides 
m  his.  Cyclops,  as  well  as  in  the  passage  before  us,  call  Ulysses  the  son 
of  that  celebrated  robber  :  but  when  we  recollect  that  Sisyphus  waji 
Grandfather  to  Bellerophon,  whose  son  Hippolochus  was  father  to  Glau- 
cus,  and  his  daughter  Laodamia,  mother  to  Sarpedon,  two  of  tlie  heroes 
who  were  opposed  to  Ulysses  in  the  Trojan  war ;  it  will  perhaps  be  more 
reasonable  to  conclude,  that  Ulysses  acquired  the  appellation  oflunMpHof 
oTTt^fAu  merely  from  his  resemblance  to  Sl^phus  in  being  rufits^  ea^ 
*'  the  craftiest  of  men,**  which  is  the  character  Glaucus  in  Homer 
gives  of  his  ancestor  Sisyphus,  Iliad,  L.  vi.  v.  253.  Abb6  Bauier,  struck 
no  doubt  with  the  great  distance  of  the  times  in  which  Sisyphus  and 
Ulysses  flourished,  has  in  his  dissertation  on  the  Argonauts,  Academic 
des  Inscriptions,  Tom.  ix.  mem.  p.  83,  atteijipted  to  prove,  that  he  was 
his  Great  grandson :  but  when  Ulysses,  in  the  Odyssey  of  Homer,  beholds 
Sisyphus  tortured  in  the  infernal  regions,  he  neither  attempts,  to  hold  any 
conference  with  him,  nor  shews  that  interest  in  his  sufferings  which  was 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  95 

Of  Sisyphus  are  these  responses  knowd. 

MENELAUS. 

Ulysses  cannot  hurt  us. 

AGAMEMNON. 

With  each  art 
And  various  wile  that  gains  the  fickle  throng 
Is  he  endued. 

MENELAUS. 
Ambition,  hateful  pest. 
Engrosses  his  whole  soul. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Think  then  thou  seest  him 
Stand  up  amidst  the  Grecian  host,  to  publish 
Those  oracles  which  Calchas  hath  devis'd. 
And  how  I  rashly  promised  that  my  Daughter, 
The  victim  whom  I  now  refuse,  should  bleed 
At  Dian*s  altar:  he  the  troops  will  rouse 
To  mutiny,  and,  having  slain  us  both, 
Bid  them'bring  forth  and  sacrifice  the  virgin. 
If  fo  the  Argive  shore  I  speed  my  flight, 
Greece  will  invade  me  with  confederate,  strength^ 
O'erthrow  those  walls  the  Cyclops  rcar'd,  and  lay 
My  country  waste.     Wretch  that  I  am  !  such  woes 
Surround  me.    To  what  straits  am  I  now  driven 
By  the  relentless  Gods !   O  Menelaus, 
Prevent  one  great  addition  to  my  pangs, 
By  hastening  thro'  the  ranks,  lest  Clytcmnestra 

due  to  one  of  bis  ancestors,  bat  immediately  passes  on  to  Hercales,  by 
whom  he  is  accosted.  Indeed,  tlie  above-mentioned  treatise  of  tho 
French  Academician  exhibits  a  pedigree  swanuing  with  errors  the  most 
obvious :  the  name  of  SLsyphus's  Father  is  tlicre  called  Autolychus,  in- 
stead of  JEoha ;  and  Homer's  Autolychus,  there  distinguislied  by 
tlie  title  of  Autolychus  the  Second,  is  said  to  have  been  son  of 
Sisyphus  and  father  to  Laertes,  Ulysses'  fatlier;  whereas  the  God 
Mercury  was  the  reputed  father  of  Autolychus,  who  is  saiJ  by  Pausanias 
to  have  been  in  fact  son  to  one  Doedalio  ;  and  tiiat  Autolyciiiis  was  the 
father,  not  of  Laertes,  but  ofAnticlea  the  wife  of  Lacites  and  mother  of 
Ulysses,  is  a  fact  well  known  to  every  man  in  the-  least  dea^ce  conversant 
with  Homer  and  the  mvtholodcal  wnters. 


96  IPHIGExMA  IN  AULIS. 

Learn  my  resolves  e'er  I  have  offer'd  op 
The  maid  to  Pluto;  wretched  tho'  1  am. 
Hence  1  shall  spare  full  many  a  needless  tear. 
But  keep  strict  secrecy,  ye  foreign  Dames. 

[Exeunt  agamemnok  and  men blavs* 

CHORUS. 

ODE. 

I. 

Thrice  blest  whom  Venus  warms  with  temperate  fire. 
Instructing  ihem  their  transports  to  control!. 
Nor  pass  the  limits  of  chastised  desire: 
Wild  frenzy  triumphs  in  the  human  soul. 

When  Cupid  with  malignant  joy 
Sends  forth  his  double  arrows  to  destroy; 
To  make  man's  life  more  blest  the  first  hath  power, 
Fiom  the  same  quiver  flies  in  evil  hour 
The  second  shaft,  and  gives  the  deadlier  wound :  . 
O  lovely  Goddess,  never,  never  shed 

Such  horrors  o'er  my  peaceful  bed. 

Let  gentle  Graces  hover  round. 
And  holy  Loves  their  sheltering  pinions  spread; 

Be  each  too  rapturous  flame  supprest. 
While  the  soft  passions  glow  within  my  breast, 

IL 

The  genius  and  the  manners  of  mankind     / 
Oft  vary  :  Virtue  still  unchanged  remains ; 
By  education's  aid,  the  ductile  mind 
At  length  that  great  accomplishment  obtains. 

By  Wisdom  are  her  votaries  taught 
Humbly  to  think  and  act  as  heroes  ought : 
Hence  shall  their  well-earn'd  fume  in  blooming  prime 
Display  its  laurels  unimpaired  by  time. 
Just  is  their  title  to  immortal  praise 
Who  follow  Virtue,  she  in  calm  retreat 

Confines  her  female  votaries'  feet. 

Whence  the  forbidden  wish  ne'er  strays : 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  57 

But  manly  souls  with  wprlike  ardour  beat. 

Tempt  each  diversified  emprise. 
And  bid  their  towering  cities  reach  the  skies.  • 

HI. 
Thou  left'st,  O  Paris,  each  associate  Swain, 

Rear'd  with  whoiiv  midst  Ida^s  grove 

Thy  heifers  thou  didst  feed, 

Hymning  the  wild  Barbaric  strain. 

While  with  Olympus  strove  (21) 

Thy  mimic  Phrygian  reed  : 
There  browsVI  thy  lowing  herds  unheeded  by,  ^ 

O'er  the  steep  mountain'^  side. 

When  each  rival  Deity 

The  palm  ordain'd  thee  to  decide; 

Hence  to  Greece  thy  steps  did  roam, 

T.o  Lacedaemon^s  ivory  dome : 

When  Helen  met  thy  piercing  eyes. 
Love's  warm  suffusion  ran  thro*  every  vein. 

Thou  too  didst  feel  the  thrilling  pain. 

Aghast  with  motionless  surprise. 

So  Discord  rais'd  her  vengeful  hand. 

And  madness  fir'c|  the  Grecian  land. 

Ships  float,  and  javelins  gleam  around. 

To  level  Ilion  with  the  ground. 

Exalted  are  the  transports  of  the  great ! 
Behold  the  royal  daughter  of  the  King, 
Fair  Iphigenia,  my  illustrious  Queen  !  (22) 

(21)  The  Olympus  here  spoken  of  was  a  native  of  Mysia,  and  a  disci* 
pie  of  the  Satyr  Marsyas,  well  knowv  hy  bis  unsuccessful  contest  'with 
Apollo :  Ovid  introduces  him  bewailing  the  disastrous  fate  of  his  master, 
with  turn  quoqne  clarus  Olympus :  honourable  mention  is  made  of  him 
by  Plato,  Plutarch,  an4  other  writers :  we  moreover  learn  from  Hyginus, 
that  his  superior  skill  in  playing  on  the  flute,  obtained  hinva  prize  at  the 
games  celebrated  by  Acastus  son  of  Pelias. 

(2:2)  Here  the  expression  of  ^  my  Queen*  must  be  considered  as  a 
mere  title  of  respect,  and  not  taken  so  literally  as  to  imply  that  Qnlcis^  ar 

VOL.    II.  H 


98  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

And  Clytemnestra  of  Tyndarean  line! 

Lofty  the  parent  stems  from  which  they  rose 

To  such  high  fortunes  :  like  the  pods  supreme 

They  rule  this  nether  worlds  and  on  the  poor  - 

Shower  portions  of  their  wealth.     Here  let  ns  stand, 

Prepar'd  to  greet  the  Queen,  Euboean  nymphs, 

As  from  her  loftv  chariot  she  descends. 

And  in  our  hands  receive  her  lest  she  fall. 

By  your  assiduous  courtesy  remove 

The  fears  which  Agamemnon's  royal  Daughter  ' 

May  haply  on  her  first  arrival  feel. 

Nor  with  confusion  nor  in  clamorous  strains'. 

Let  us,  who  are  but  strangers  in  the  land. 

Abruptly  to  these  Argive  strangers  speak. 

CLYTEMNESTRA,  IPHIGENIA,  CHORUS. 

CLYTEMNESTRA* 

A  favourable  omen  I  derive 
From  your  benignity,  and  words  whose  soqnd 
Is  most  aus[)icrou8:  hence  I  entertain 
Some  hope  that  to  blest  nuptials  I  conduct 
The  Virt'in.     From  the  car  those  treasures  brino* 
Intended  for  her  dower,  and  in  the  tent 
Deposit  carefully  :  with  tender  foot 
And  delicate,   my  Daughter,  leave  thy  seat; 
But  O  receive  her  in  your  youthful  arms. 
Descending  from  the  chariot,  and  for  me 
That  I  with  safety  m^y  alight,  perform 
The  same  kind  ottice:  but  let  others  stand 
Before  those  coursers  whom  no  words  can  sooth 
If  startled  :  lift  Orestes^  ft*om  his  seat,. 

any  part  of  the  island  of  Eiibcea,  was  at  that,  time  subject  either  to 
Agamemuoa  or  Achilles,  to  whom  the  Chonis  (mindful  of  the  secrecy 
enjoined  them)  here  affect  to  consider  Iphigenia  as  on  the  pomt  of  being 
married  :  for  we  find  by  Homer,  L.  ii.  v.  536—545,  that  Elephenor,  son 
of  Chalcodontes,  was  at  tlie  tune  of  the  Trojan  war  king  of  Eabcea, 
from  whence  he  sailed  with  a  squadron  of  fifty  ships  under  his  command. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  gg 

For  he  is  yet  an  infant.     O  my  child. 

By  the  rough  motion  of  tliis  vehicle 

Sleep'st  thou  o'erpower'd  ?  wake  at  this  lucky  hour^ 

Wake  to  thy  Sister's  hymeneal  rites. 

For  by  affinity,  thou  nobly  born 

Wilt  be  connected  with  a  mighty  kinsman. 

The  Son  of  Thetis  equal  to  the  Gods. 

My  Daughter,  now  draw  near,  and  take  thy  place,   - 

O  iphigenia,  at  thy  mother's  feet. 

That  there,  thou  to  these  foreign  dames  may'st  shew 

How  great  my  happiness.     But  hither  comes 

Thy  much  lov'd  Sire ;  accost  him« 

IPHIGENIA. 

Shall  I  run, 
(My  Mother,  be  not  angry  at  the  question) 
And  clasp  my  Father  to  thia  throbbing  breast  i 

AGAMEMNON,  CLYTEMNESTRA,  IPHIGENIA, 

CHORUS. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

O  Agamemnon,  my  much  honoured  lord. 
We  come  obedient  to  your  high  behest. 

IPHIGENIA. 
With  eager  step  at  length  I  fain  would  rush 
And  thrQW  these  arms  around  my  dearest  Sire, 
For  much  I  wish  to  see  thee :  be  not  wroth. 

AGAMEMNON. 

My  child,  indulge  these  transports:  for  thou  most 
Of  all  my  race  hast  ever  lov'd  thy  Sire, 

IPHIGENIA. 

Afte^  a  tedious  absence,  with  delight 
Thee,  O  my  Father,  1  again  behold. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Thee  too  thy  Father— ^very  word  thou  speak*st 
Equally  suits  us  both. 

IPHIGENIA. 
All  hail^  my  Sire! 
H  2 


100  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

To  fetch  me  hither  was  most  kindly  done. 

AGAMEMNON. 
Alas,  I  know  not  whether  to  assent 
Or  contradict  thee. 

IPHIGENIA. 
How  disturb'd  thou  look^st, 
Tho*  here  tbou  seest  me  at  thy  own  desire. 

AGAMEMNON. 

.    A  General  and  a  King  hath  many  cares. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Devote  the  present  hour  to  me — ;  forget 
Each  weightier  business. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Thou,  and  thou  alone^ 
Art  now  the  object  of  my  anxious  thoughts. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Clear  up  that  clouded  brow  then,  and  with  looks 
Of  more  complacency  behold  thy  Daughter. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Trust  me,  I  feel  the  joy  thy  pi'esence  gives. 

IPHIGENIA. 
Yet  from  those  eyes  why  streams  the  frequent  tear  ? 

AGAMEMNON. 

Because  our  separation  must  be  long.^ 

IPHIGENIA. 

My  dearest  Sire,  I  know  not  what  thou  meanest. 

AGAMEMNON. 

By  talking  so  discreetly  on  this  subject. 
Thou  wound'st  my  soul  more  deeply. 

IPHIGENIA. 

I  would  utter 
The  wildest  language,  could  this  give  thee  joy. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Alas,  I  am  not  able  to  restrain 
My  tongue;  yet  thy  behaviour  I  commend. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Stay  with  thy  childrj^n,  O  my  Sii-e,  at  home. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AUUS.  lOl 

AGAMEMNON. 

There  would  I  stay  for  ever :  but  what  grieves 
My  soul  is  this,  that  I  have  not  the  power 
Such  wishes  to  effect. 

IPHIQENIA. 

Curse  on  the  spear 
And  Menelaus'  sufferings. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Others  first. 
Are  they  ordain'd  to  ruin,  having  proved 
My  bane  already. 

IPHIGENIA. 

What  a  length  of  time, 
Hast  thou  in  Aulis'  haven  been  detained ! 

AGAMEMNON. 

There  is  a  something  still,  which  doth  prevent   , 
My  sailing  hence,  with  the  confederate  host. 

IPHIGENIA. 

O  say,  where  fame  relates  the  Phrygians  dwell  ? 

AGAMEMNON 

Where  would  to  Heaven  that  Paris,  Priam's  son, 
Had  ne'er  abode. 

IPHIGENIA.    - 

When  thou  thy  Daughter  leav'st. 
Is  thine  a  distant  voyage  ? 

AGAMEMNON. 

Thou  art  bound 
For  the  same  port  with  thy  aflSicted  Sire. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Would  it  were  decent  for  us  both  to  sail 
In  the  same  bark  ! 

AGAMEMNON. 

What  means  this  stranee  request  ? 

Thou  too  shalt  sail,  and  have  abundant  cause 
Not  to  forget  thy  Father. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Shall  I  take 


102,  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

This  voyage  with  my  Mother,  or  alone  ?  x 

.      AGAMEMNON. 

Alone,  from  both  thy  parents  torn  by  fate. 

IPHIGENIA. 
Meanest  thou  to  place  me  in  a  foreign  realm? 

AGAMEMNON, 

No  more  :  a  bashful  virgin  must  not  learn 
AH  these  particulars. 

IPHIGENIA. 

My  Sire,  with  speed 
Return  from  Ilion's  coast,  return  triumphant. 

AGAMEMNON. 

I  first  must  offer  up  a  victim  here. 

IPHIGENIA. 

But  it  behoves  thee  to  consult  the  Priests 
Before  thou  enter  on  this  sacred  rite. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Thou  too,  for  near  the  lavers  thou  must  stand, 
Shalt  know  the  whole. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Must  I  in  choral  dance^ 
With  my  young  comrades,  round  the  altar  move  i 

AGAMEMNON. 

Thy  lot,  by  far  more  enviable  than  mine 
I  deem,  because  thou  understand*st  not  aught 
Of  what  we  are  transacting.     But  now  enter 
These  doors,  and  to  thy  virgin  train  appear. 
The  kiss  thou  gav'st,  and  that  right  hand,  embitter 
Our  parting  :  from  thy  Sire  wilt  thou  be  absent 
For  a  long  season.     O  ye  heaving  breasts. 
Ye  cheeks,  and  golden  tresses,  of  what  woes 
To  us  hath  Troy  and  Helen  been  the  source ! 
But  I  can  speak  no  more ;  for  the  swift  tear. 
E'en  while  I  yet  embrace  thee,  from  these  eyes 
Forces  its  way.    Retire  into  the  tent. 

[Exit  IPHIGENIA* 

O  progeny  of  Leda,  I  entreat 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  103 

Thy  pardon^  if  false  tenderness  o'ercome 
My  better  judgement;  now  I  am  bestowing 
Our  Daughter  on  Achilles  ;  sent  indeed 
With  happy  prospects  to  a  distant  realm  : 
Yet  deeply  the  parental  heart  it  wounds. 
When  to  another  house  the  Sire  consigns 
His  children,  nurtured  with  incessant  care. 

CLYTEMNESTRA.  ' 

I  am  not  thus  insensible,  nor  prompt 
To  censure  you  :  myself  no  doubt  shall  feel 
An  equal  pang,  with  hymeneal  Vites 
When  from  these  doors  1  lead  the  virgin  forth« 
But  custom  at  this  season  bids  me  check 
My  sorrows.     I  have  merely  heard  the  name 
Of  bira,  to  whom  our  Daughter  is  affianc'd, 
But  wish  to  learn  his  country  and  descent. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Beauteous  ^giiia,  from  Asojjus  sprung. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Say  to  what  favour'd  mortal  or  what  God 
Was  she  in  wedlock  join'd? 

AGAMEMJ^ON. 

Imperial  Jove 
Compress*d  the  yielding  maid,  and  was  the  Sire 
Of  Mucus,  Oenone's  king.     (^3) 

(23)  This  island,  situated  in  the  Saronian  bay,  u  in  Pindar  Isthm. 

Od.  8.  V.  45.  and  Ovid  Met  h,  7,  v.  472.  called  Oenopia :  but  Lycophron, 

most  of  tiie^  geographical  writers,  and  Pindar  himself  in  three  other 

places,  concur  \i  idi^uripides  in  giving  it  the  name  of  Oenone ;  it  after^ 

Mnards  received  that  of  iEgina,  from  the  Princess  here  mentioned,  and  is 

10  called  in  Homer's  catalogue  of  the  Grecian  ships,  where  its  troops 

are  included  in  the  Aigive  division  under  tlie  command  of  Diomedcy 

which  seems  a^  if  the  island  no  longer  remained  subject  to  Peleus  after  he 

had  left  it,  in  order  to  establish  himself  in  Thessaly.    Strabo  represents 

it  as  having  undergone  a  variety  of  revolutions,  and  mentions  the  Argives 

among  the  nations  by  whom  it  was  successively  inhabited.  The  questions 

here  asked  by  Clytenmestra,  which  relate  to  the  paternal  ancestoi-s  of 

AcmUes,  do  not  strike  me  as  shewing  the  inconsistency  or  want  of  me* 

mory  here  objected  to  by  Barnes  j  as  it  was  very  possible  for  Clytenmestra 


104  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

What  son 
Inherited  the  realjns  of  JBacus  i 

AGAMEMNON. 

Peleus ;  and  Peleus  wedded  Nereus'  Daughter. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

To  him  surrendered  by  the  God  her  Sire, 
Or  did  he  seize  her  'gainst  ihe  will  of  Heaven  ? 

AGAMEMNON. 

By  Jove  himself  th'  espousals  were  ordain'd ; 
And  he  to  whom  belong'd  a  father's  right. 
To  Peleus  gave  the  Nymph. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Where  did  he  wed  her  ? 
Mid'st  Ocean's  waves  ? 

AGAMEMNON. 

On  Pelion's  sacred  cliff  . 
Where  Chiron  dwelt. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

That  mount,  which  we  are  told 
The  Centaurs'  race  inhabit  ? 

AGAMEMNON. 

There  the  Gods 
With  banquets  celebrated  Peleus*  marriage. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

But  did  his  Mother  Thetis,  or  his  Sire, 

Train  up  Achilles  ? 

AGAIV^EMNON. 

(24)  Chiron,  aweful  sage, 

to  have  heard  that  the  Goddess  Thetis,  Daughter  of  Nereiu,  was  the 
mother  of  Achilles,  but  at  the  same  time  to  be  an  utter  stranger  to  the 
whole  history  of  his  father  Peleus,  and  the  ancestors  of  that  Monarch. 

(^)  Chiron  was  Son  of  Saturn  and  the  nymph  Phihra,  one  of  the 
Daughters  of  Oceanus :  the  God  being  surprised  in  this  amomr  by  his 
Wife  Rhea,  transformed  himself  into  an  Horse,  and  fled  with  great  pre- 
cipitation ;  hence  proceeded  the  mixt  form  of  the  child.  See  Apollonius 
Rhodius,  L.  3.  v.  1235 — 1245 ;  and  Virgil  Geor.  L.  S.  v.  93. — Pausanias, 
in  the  nineteenth  chapter  of  his  fifth  book,  writes  that  Chiron  after  his 
death  was  found  worthy  of  being  received  sunong  the  Gods* 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  105 

Lest  profligate  examples  should  corrupt  him* 

'  CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Chiron  was  wise ;  and  still  more  wise  the  Father, 
Who  for  his  offspring  such  instructor  found. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Such  is  the  man  whom  tor  our  Daughter's  Husband 
I  have  mark'd  out. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

No  despicable  choice: 
But  in  what  Grecian  city  doth  he  dwell  i 

AGAMEMNON. 
Beside  Apidanus  in  Phthia's  land. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Will  he  tht  tender  virgin  thither  lead  ? 

AGAMEMNON. 

Be  that  the  care  of  him  who  shall  possess  her. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

May  every  bliss  attend  them.     But  what  day 
Have  you  appointed  for  the  nuptial  rite  ? 

AGAMEMNON. 

When  full-orVd  Cynthia  darts  propitious  beams, 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Have  you  yet  slain  the  customary  victims 
(25)  To  her  who  o*er  the  genial  couch  presides? 

AGAMEMNON. 

I  on  this  very  business  am  intent; 
It  shall  be  done. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Will  you  the  nuptial  feast 
Celebrate  next  i 

(25)  *^  Clytemnestra  means  Juno  cafled  Znfym^  of  ^om  A1^611iNiiiiit 
^  Rhodius  in  his  Argonantics ; 

Juno  the  nuptial  Goddess,  Wife  of  Jove. 

<^  The  same  expression  occurs  in  Nonniis  and  Dionysius  Halicamas^ 
^<  aensis."    Babnis* 


106  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

AGAMEMNON. 

When  I  have  offered  up 
Such  victiiAs  as  th'  immortal  Gods  require. 

CLYTEMNESTRA* 

But  where  shall  we  the  womens'  banquet  hold  i 

AGAMEMNON. 

Here  at  the  Argive  ships. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Well,  if  we  must ; 
Yet  may  it  prove  auspicious. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Wife,  thou  know'st 
Thy  duty:  to  my  will  compliance  yield. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

What  means  my  Lord  ?  for  I  am  wont  t'  obey. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Myself  will  to  the  Bridegroom's  arms  — 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Shall  aught 
That  might  become  a  Mother  to  perform, 
Be  done  without  me  P 

AGAMEMNON. 

'Midst  the  troops  of  Greece 
Consign  the  Princess. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Where  shall  I  meantime 
Be  station'd  ? 

AGAMEMNON. 

Go  to  Argos,  and  take  care 
Of  your  young  virgin  race  who  there  remain. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Leaving  my  Daughter  f  who  shall  bear  the  torch  i 

AGAMEMNON. 

Be  mine  the  welcome  office,  to  illume 
Her  Hymeneal  rite. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Ho  antient  usage 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  107 

iQ,6)  Gives  sanction,  and  you  know 'twould  be  unseemly. ' 

AGAMEMNON. 

Thee  it  becomes  not  freely  to  converse 
With  the  licentious  inmates  of  a  camp. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

It  w^ll  becomes  a  Mother  to  dispose 
Of  her  lov'd  Daughter. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Neither  should  her  Sisters 
Be  left  alone  at  home. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

In  their  apartment. 
They  strictly  are  confin'd. 

AGAMEMNON. 
Obey. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Forefend, 
Saturnia  Queen  of  Argos.     Go,  bear  rule 
Abroad^  dome:3tic  empire  shall  be  mine. 
I  will  conduct  my  Daughter's  bridal  pomp. 

[Exit  CLYTEMNESTRA. 
AGAMEMNON. 

Alas  in  vain  I  came;   now  all  my  hopes. 
Are  frustrated.     I  would  have  sent  my  wife 

(26)  Without  extending  our  researches  any  farther  than  the  writings  of 
EaripideSy  we  find  much  vaiiation  in  regard  to  the  person  by  whom  the 
nuptial  torch  was  to  be  borne :  in  the  Phoenissae,  v.  346,  and  the  Scholiast 
which  I  have  there  quoted,  such  office  b  represented  as  belonging  to 
tiie  mother  of  the  Bridegroom.  Qytemnestra  here  asserts  that  it  suits 
her  best  as  mother  to  the  Bride.  Such  employment  was  unsuited  to 
Thetis,  the  mother  of  AchiiUes,  on  account  of  her  being  a  Goddess:  but, 
notwithstanding  what  is  here  said  of  ancient  custom,  we  find  the  nuptial 
torch  borne  also  by  men ;  for  the  messenger  in  the  Helen,  an  attendant  of 
Menelaus,  v.  728—730,  says  he  now  renews  the  union  of  Menelaus  and 
Helen,  having  formerly  borne  the  torch  at  their  espousals :  though  it  is 
▼ery  evident  that  Leda,  Mother  to  the  Bride,  wasnot  then  dead.;  as 
that  very  Tragedy,  v.  155,  and  201,  mentions  her  being  supposed  to 
have  put  an  end  to  her  own  lif^^^  through  grief  at  her  Daughter's  fliglit 
with  Paris. 


108  JPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

Far  out  of  sight     Fallacious  I  devise 

Schemes  to  impose  upon  my  dearest  friends. 

And  am  in  every  artifice  defeated. 

But  now  with  Calchas,  holy  Seer,  I  go 

To  search  into  the  curse  impos'd  on  Greece, 

Tho*  grateful  to  Diana,  yet  to  me 

Most  inauspicious.     Every  wise  man  ought 

To  cherish  a  complying  virtuous  dame, 

Beneath  the  nuptial  roof,  or  liv.e  unwedded. 

[Exit    AGAMEMNON. 
CHORUS. 

ODE. 

I. 

Where  Simois'  limpid  current  glides, 
The  fleet  of  Greece  shall  spread  war's  loud  alarms. 
Fraught  with  brave  chiefs,  and  with  victorious  arma: 
Phcebus  in  vain  o'er  Ilion's  walls  presides. 
Where  fam'd  Cassandra,  frantic  thro*  despair, 

Adorning  her  dishevel'd  hair 

With  a  verdant  laurel  wreath. 

In  strains  prophetic,  am  I  told. 
Doth  dark  futurity's  events  unfold. 
As  o'er  her  soul  the  powers  of  inspiration  breathe. 

II. 
Each  Phrygian  youth  shall  take  his  stand. 
On  turrets  which  overlook  th'  embattled  field. 
Borne  o'er  the  deep,  when  Mars  with  brazen  shield 
In  barks  whose  prows  menace  the  hostile  strand. 
As  he  draws  near  to  their  devoted  shore, 
'  Shall  brandish  oft  the  dashing  oar, 
Resolv'd  from  Priam's  realms  to  bear 
That  Sister  to  the  Sons  of  Jove, 
Tliat  Helen,  who  betray'd  her  plighted  love, 
Henee  Grecian  chiefs  the  targe  and  vengeful  lance 
prepare. 


'  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  109 

III. 

The  ram  pi  I 'd  fortresses  of  Troy, 

Environing  with  ruthless  joy, 
Shall  War's  stern  God,  wide  o'er  ihe  plain 
(27)  Display  the  sever'd  head  of  heroes  slain  : 
Again  that  city  levell'd  with  the  ground 

The  virgin  choir  shall  wail  around. 

Old  Priam's  Queen  shed  deluges  of  tears. 

And  Helen  grieve  for  having  left  her  lord. 

Ne'er  may  the  joys  of  me  and  of  my  race 

Be  blasted  by  such  fears 

As  shall  the  pallid  face 

Of  Lydia's  wealthy  dames  o'erspfead. 
Who  with  the  Phrygian  matrons  in  accord 

Shall  utter  o'er  their  looms  this  lay  ;- 

"  From  thie  wretched  captive's  head, 
*'  Who  comes  to  shear  my  braided  locks  away, 

"  While  r bewail  in  plaintive  strains 
*'  The  ruin  that  o*cnvhelms  ray  native  plains, 

^  Thro'  her  who  from  that  bird  did  spring, 

(27)  This  iidittinan  custom  of  cutting  off  tlie  heads  of  slain  enemies  in 
order  to  bear  them  on  spears  as  trophies,  is  frequently  mentioned  both 
by  the  antient  Poets  and  Historians.  In  Virgil  when  the  detachmeot 
Mrhich  had  been  commanded  by  Volsccns  joins  the  rest  of  the  Latiana 
in  their  attack  on  the  Trojan  camp,  they  march  up  to  the  trenches  nvtdi 
loud  shoots,  displaying  the  heads  of  Nisus  and  Euryalus :  and  in  Nan- 
nus*8  Dionysnca,  the  God  Bacchus  drawing  up  his  forces  previous  to 
their  engagement  with  the  Indians,  orders  the  heads  of  the  foes  they  ha4 
stein  to  be  brought  forth  and  planted  on  the  summit  of  mount  Tmola% 
as  omens  of  victory, 

L.  27.  p.  272.    Ed.  lAibinL 

La  Cerda,  in  his  note  on  the  former  of  tiiese  passages,  lias  collected  a 
multitude  of  other  instances,  which  it  would  be^urperfluous  to  rectte. 
For  the  substitution  of  tsToJur,  instead  of  woXiv  in  the  next  line,  we  are  in- 
debted to  Barnes,  who  is  followed  by  Reiskiiis,  Mr.  Markland,  and  Dr* 
Musgrave :  Euripides  is  supposed  to  refer  to  the  former  dastructioB  of 
Troy  by  Hercules. 


no  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULig. 

"  Graceful  with  towering  neck,  if  fame 
**  A  true  report  convey, 
"  That  Jove  transformed  became 
*'  A  Swan,  upborne  on  sounding  wing 
«'  When  Leda  yielded  to  his  flame  ? 
*^  Or  haply  the  faritastic  Muse, 
'*  From  whom  these  amorous  tales  began. 
Such  shameful  legend  forg'd,   with  impious  viewa 
T*  impose  on  the  credulity  of  man." 


u 


ACHILLES,  CHORUS. 

ACHILLES. 

Where  is  the  leader  of  the  Grecian  host  ? 

What  servant  will  relate,   that  here  in  quest 

Of  him,  Achilles,  Peleus'  son,  attends 

Before  tlue  gates  ?  For  in  Euripus'  gulph 

On  terms  unequal  is  the  fleet  detained  ; 

Some  of  our  countrymen  un wedded  leave 

A  solitary  mansion,  on  these  shores 

To  sit  inactive;  others  having  wives 

(28)  Who  yet  are  childless  ;  not  without  the  will 

Of  Heaven,  the   Greeks  have  with  such  zeal  equipped 

Tliis  armament.    To  speak  what  justice  prompts 

.  >^ 

(28)  Here  the  printed  text  seems  by  na  means  to  stand  in  need  of 
Dr.  Mu8grave*s  proferred  assistance:  nor  can  there  be  any  room  t» 
4oabt  tbat  the  eircumstance  of  men  newly  married,  leaving  their 
Wives  by  whom  they  had  not  yet  any  children,  is  mentioned  sift  an  in- 
stance of  theii*  extraordinary  zeal  for  the  cause  of  their  country.  Thns^ 
Iphidamas,  son  of  Antenor,  is  recorded  by  Homer  in  thje  most  bononi«ble 
terms  for  leaving  his  Bride  in  Tli^race,  and  returning  home  immediately, 
on  heai  ing,  at  the  very  time  of  his  marriage,  that  the  Greeks  had  in- 
vaded Troy ;  on  his  being  slain  by  Agamenmon,  the  Poet  thns  cele- 
brates his  death : 

Ooc^soj,  wn^  i^vnpij  a^o^«  «rwo'»v  ag»jyi'-7, 

KHgiJtn?,  »i;  tfli  x.ag*»  *^«..  II.  L.  xi,  Y.  241. 

H'hich  is  thus  beautifully  paraphrased  by  Pope ; 

"^Stretch'd  in  the  dust  th'  unhappy  warrior  lies 
"  And  sleop  eternal  seals  his  swimming  eyes. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  ill 

With  firmness^  is  my  province:  for  themselves 

Let  others  their  peculiar  wants  express* 

I  from  the  region  of  Pharsalia  come. 

From  Peleus'  house^  and  on  Euripus'  banks 

Waiting  for  a  propitious  breeze,  restrain 

The  Myrmidons,   who  with  incessant  plaints 

Assail  me ;  '^  O  Achilles  on  these  coasts 

^'  Why  loiter?" -and  •^  How  long  e'er  thou  direct 

'*  Thy  sails  for  Troy  ?  Or  instantly  attempt 

"  Some  martial  feat,   or  lead  thy  squadrons  home 

*\  Nor  stay  for  At  re  us'  dilatory  sons?" 

CLYTEMNESTRA,  ACHILLES,  CHORUS.' 

CLYTEMNE9TRA. 
Son  of  that  Goddess  who  derives  her  birth 
From  Nereus  :  hearing,   as  within  I  sat, 
Your  voice,  from  my  apartment  I  come  forth. 

ACHILLES. 

O  sacred  modesty !  what  female  form 
Endued  with  every  captivating  grace 
Do  1  behold  ? 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 
No  wonder  if  you  know  not 
Me,  whom  till  now  your  eyes  have  never  seen  : 
But  I  commend  the  reverence  you  express 
For  modesty. 

ACHILLES* 

Inform  me,  who  art  thou? 
Or  why  to  the  assembled  host  of  Greece 

**  Oh  worthy  better  fetet    Oh  early  rlSun! 

**  ITiy  country's  friends  anil  virtuous,  tho*  in  vain! 

*^  No  more  tlie  youtii  shall  join  Ids  Consort's  side, 

"  At  once  a  Virgin,  and  at  once  a  Bride. 
It  b  well  known  from  Deuteronomy,  Chap,  24.  v.  5,  which  we  find 
farther  illustrated  by  Selden,  in  his  Uxor  Heb.  L.  3.  c.  3.  that  the  JewiA 
laws   exempted  a   man    from  all    employments,   both    military   and 
civil,  for  one  year  after  ius  marriage. 


lie 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 


Dost  thou  a  woman  come,  and  mix  with  troops 
ArrajM  in  glhtering  mail? 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

I  am  the  DaughtCHT 
Of  Leda,  Clytemnestra  is  my  name, 
My  Husband,  Agamemnon,  mighty  king. 

ACHILLES. 

All  that  was  needful,  well  hast  thou  expressed. 
And  with  a  due  conciseness  :  yet  in  me 
Unseemly  'twere  to  parly  with  a  woman. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Strange!  wherefore  do  you  fly?  with  mine  unite 
Your  hand,  blest  omen  of  the  future  nuptials. 

ACHILLES. 

What  meanest  thou  ?  Join  our  hands!  I  fear  the  wrath 
Of  Agamemnon,  with  un licenced  touch 
Should  I  profane  his  Queen. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Tis  sure  allowed  ; 
Because,  O  son  of  the  immortal  Thetis, 
My  Daughter  you  so  speedily  shall  wed. 

ACHILLES. 

Of  what  espousals  talk'st  thou?  with  surprise 
All  stupified  1  stand.     Thy  reason  sure 
Must  wander,  when  this  tale  thou  could'st  devise. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

How  natural  at  the  sight  of  pur  new  kindred^ 
To  feel  confusion  when  they  mention  marriage ! 

ACHILLES. 

I  never  sought  thy  Daughter  for  my  Bride, 
Nor  yet  by  either  of  the  sons  of  Atreus 
To  me  was  such  alliance  e'er  proposed. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

.  What  can  this  mean  ?  while  you  with  wonder  start 
At  what  I  say  ;  your  words  in  me  create 
The  same  amazement. 


.-  * 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  113 

ACHILLES. 

Thy  conjectures  form ; 
Our  own  conjectures  we  may  both  indulge  : 
For  both  of  us,  p.erhaps,  have  spoken  nought 
But  what  is  tiuth. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

A  most  atrocious  insult 
I  have  endur'd,  have  been  employed  it  seems 
Thus  to  propose  a  mere  ideal  match> 
That  ne'er  was  meant  to  take  effect :  this  shames  me. 

ACHILLES. 

Some  one  hath  surely  sported  with  us  both  : 
But  scorn  th'  imposture,  let  it  not  disturb  thee. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Farewell:  for  Twith  stedfast  eyes  can  view 
Your  face  no  longer ;  I  am  now  become 
A  liar,  and  have  sufier'd  grievous  wrongs. 

"      ACHILLES. 

Accept  the  same  farewell :   for  I  in  quest 
Qf  Agamemnon,  these  abodes  will  enter. 

ATTENDANT,  ACHILLES,  CLYTEMNESTRA, 

CHORUS. 

ATTENDANT. 

Grandson  of  £acus,  O  stranger,  stay. 
Son  of  the  Goddess,  thee  I  call,  and  you 
Daughter  of  Leda. 

ACHILLES. 

Ha !  who  opes  the  doors ! 
And  in  what  wild  confusion  doth  he  call  me  ! 

ATTipNDANT. 

A  servant  utipresuming  :  to'my3tation 
My  temper  is  adapted. 

ACHILLES. 

Say  to  whom  .•  * 

Dost  thou  belong;  for  thou  art  none  of  mine, 

VOL.   II.  I 


ii    , 


114  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULK. 

And  I  have  no  connection  with  the  house 
Of  Agamemnon. 

ATTENDANT. 

(29)    To  her  famrly 
Before  she  wedded :  with  her,  as  a  grft. 
Her  father,  Tyndarus,   sent  me. 

ACHILLES. 

Here  I  wait : 
If  thou  need  aught,  speak  wherefore  thou  dletain*8t  me^ 

ATTENDANT. 

(30)  But  are  ye  two  before  the  gates  alone  i 

CLYTEMNE»TRA. 

Thou  may'st  communicate  thy  thoughts  as  freely 
As  if  we  were  alone  :  but  come  thou  forth 
From  this  thy  royal  master's  tent. 

ATTENDANT. 

O  Fortune, 
With  my  precaution  join'd>  extend  your  influence 
O'er  those  I  wish  to  save. 

ACHILLES. 

Thou  must  explai)& 

(29)  As  it  appears  Uiat  the  Mamncripts  Tary,  I  take  the  mMdle 
course  between  the  vtovjc  'rwt  of  Alctns  apd  Barnes,  and  Uie  vvJ*  «p|p  of 
Mr.  Markland  and  Dr.  Musgrave,  by  rea^ding.  vmrifnuff  and  makeiise 
of  the  interpretation  given  by  Reiskius  of  vju^n  o^uuvy  by,  whicl^ 
he  understands  the  antient  fiimily  of  Clytetnnestra  or  TyUd^Mufer  tff 
Sparta. 

(30)  A  variety  of  situation*  occur  in  the  antient  drama,  such  as 
occasion  Conunent^tort  .to  remind  us  of  the  great  extent  of  the  Athe- 
nian stage,  to  which  our  modern  theatres  bear  no  proportion,,  an4 
of  those  divisions  in  it  vdiich  might  conceal  iVom  sight  the  perfbmi^ 
ers  stationed  in  a  remote  parts  the  reader  also  must  have  remarked 
that  at  the  time  of  the  entrance  of  this  Meaaenger  or  Aileii4M4'(^Hio, 
as  Mr.  Markland  observes,  is  evidently  the  s^e  person  wi^h  whppap 
Agamemnon  converses  in  the  first  scene  of  this  Tragedy,  tkoligli 
most  editors  there  call  him  w^v^,-  and  here  ^e^»iai»)  Addlles  and 
(^temnestra  wer&  b#th  jretiriBg^  and  stood  close  to  the  door  at  a 
considerabie  distance  fsom .  the  ClM»n]%;  wh»  ber^iii^Apartui;tht.j^ 
ceding  dialogue. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULTS.  1 15 

Thy  speech  hereafter  :  these  are  words  of  weight. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

In  bending  suppliant-hlce  to  touch  my  hand^ 
If  thou  hast  aught  of  mbment  to  disclose, 
Waste  not  thy  time. 

ATTENDANT. 

Know  ye  not  who  I  am, 
And  the  attachment  I  have  ever  borne 
To  you^  and  to  your  children  f 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Well  I'know 
Thou  in  my  house  hast  been  a  servant  long. 

ATTENDANT. 

And  that^  as  an  appendage  to  your  dower^ 
The  royal  Agamemnon  erst  received  me  ? 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Thou  cam'st  to  Argos  in  my  train,  and  mine 
Hast  ever  been. 

ATTENDANT. 

E'en  thus :  and  hence  more  strongly 
To  you  than  to  your  Lord,  am  I  attach'd. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 
Thy  business^  now  at  length,  to  us  unfold. 

ATTENDANT. 

Tlie  merciless^  resolve  her  Sire  hath  formed 
Is  this;  to  slay  your  Daughter^ 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Horrid  tale ! 
Old  man,  what  mean'st  thou  ?  tftoii'  art  frantic,  idre. 

ATTEW)ANT. 
Smiting  the  hapless  Virgin's  snowy  neck 
With  his  drawn  sword. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Ah,  wretched  wretched  me  ! 
Hath  my  Lord  lost  his  reason  i 

12 


116  IPHIGENIA    IN  ACLIS. 

ATTENDANT. 

He  still  thinks 
Aright,  except  in  what  relates  to  you 
And  to  your  Daughter  :  here  his  judgement  fails. 

CLYTEMNESTRA.         > 

'  Say,  thro'  what  cause,  what  Fiend  misleads  the  King? 

ATTENDANT. 

An  oracle,  which  Calchas  bath  pronouac'd> 
That  the  confederate  armament  may  sail. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Sail  whither?  wretched  me!  and  O  most  wretched 
She,  whom  her  Father  hath  resolv'd  to  slay  ! 

ATTENDANT. 

To  the  Dardanian  realm ;  that  Menelau:^ 
His  Consort  may  recover. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Is  the  blood 
Of  Iphigenia  then  the  price  of  Helen  ? 

ATTENDANT. 

You  comprehend  the  whole  :  her  ruthless  Sire 
Will  to  Diana  sacrifice  the  maid. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

With  what  intent  those  nuptials  did  he  feign. 
By  which  he  drew  me  hither  ? 

ATTENDANT. 

That  with  joy 
You  might  conduct  her  as  the  destin'd  Bride 
Of  great  Achilles. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Thou,  my  Daughter,  coms't 
To  perish,  thou  and  thy  unhappy  Mother* 

ATTENDANT. 

Most  piteous  wrongs,  alas  !  ye  both  endure^ 
And  Agamemnon's  purposes  are  dreadful. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

1  ^m  undone  :■  no  longer  can  these  eyes 
Withhold  th'  involuntary  tear  from  streaming. 


>  f 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  117 

ATTENDANT. 

If  e'er  jb  bitterness  of  soul  we  weep, 
Tis  for  our  Children's  loss. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

But  whence,  old  man. 
Dost -thou  assert  that  thou  these  tidings  heard'st? 

ATTENDANT. 
I,   with  a  second  letter,  was  dispatch'd. 

CLYTEMNESTBA. 

To  countermand,  or  to  enforce  those  orders 
That  I  should  britig  my  Daughter  to  be  slain ^ 

ATTENDANT. 

To  counterman'd  :  your  Lord  was  then  inspired 
With  better  thoughts. 

€LYTEMNESTRA. 

But  why,  since  thou  didst  bear 
Such  letter,  not  deliver  it  to  me  ? 

ATTENDANT. 

Twas  Menelaus,  the  detested  cause 
Of  all  these  ills,  who  tore  it  from  my  hands. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Brave  youth,  from  Peleus  and  the  Nereid  sprung, 
Hear  you  tJiis-tale? 

ACHILLES. 
Thy  wretchedness  I  hear. 
Nor  th'  insults  shewn  to  me  can  pass  unnotic'd. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

They  mean  to  take  my  Daughter's  life  away. 
By  the  pretence  of  wedding  her  to  you 
Beguiling  us. 

ACHILLES. 

Against  thy  Lord  revolts 
My  soul,  nor  will  I  tamely  brook  this  wrong. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

I  blush  not  at  those  knees  to  fall ;   a  mortal. 
To  you  who  from  a  Goddess  spring,  I  sue. 


118  IPHICENIA  IN  AULIS. 

Why  should  I  still  maintain  an  empty  pride. 

Or  strive  with  greater  earnestness  tor  aught 

Than  the  deliverance  of  my  dearest  child? 

Offspring  of  Thetis,  succour  my  distress, 

Succour  a  Virgin  nam'd,  tho'  falsely  nam'd. 

Your  Bride ;  yet  I  with  flowers  adorn'd  her  hto^f 

And  fancied  that  I  led  her  to  your  arms; 

But  now  I  to  thie  bloody  altar  lead. 

On  you  disgrace  will  light,  if  you  neglect 

To  aid  her.     Ye  indeed  in  wedlock's  bands 

Were  never  join''d,  yet  was  you  cali*d  the  Hi)sb^nd 

Of  this  unhappy  maid.     Q  by  that  beaid, 

By  that  right  arm,  and  your  immortal  Mother^ 

Since  I  am  ruin'd  thro'  your  name,  assert 

The  honour  of  that  name.     I  have  no  shrine 

Except  your  knees  to  fly  to,  not  a  friend 

To  cheer  me.     You  have  heard  the  cruel  schepie^ 

Th'  audacious  treachery,  frara'd  in  evil  hotfr 

By  Agamemnon  :  here,   ypu  see,  I  come, 

^idst  lawless  mariners  in  mischief  bold. 

But  able  too,  if  willing,  to  assert 

The  cause  of  the  oppressed  ;  a  feeble  woman. 

Extend  your  guardian  arm,  and  I  am  sav'd. 

Else  ruin  waits  me. 

CHORUS. 

Of  parental  love 
Great  is  the  power,  and  like  a  magic  philtre  : 
Inspired  by  nature  each  fond  Mother  toils 
To  save  her  ofi*spripg. 

ACHILLES. 
My  indignant  soul 
Is  fir'd  by  such  aflionts :  tho'  no  man  knows 
Both  how  to  bear  affliction  and  success 
With  greater  moderation. 

CHORUS. 

Truly  wise 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS  119 

Are  they  who  persevere  thro*  every  stage 
Of  life  beneath  unbiass'd  reason's  guidance. 

ACHUXES. 

There  is  a  tinae  when  we  should  lay  aside 
Each  warier  thought :  but  other  seasons  claim     ^ 
Our  utmost  piiideoce.     From  that  virtuous  man, 
Chiron,  by  whom  my  infancy  was  nurtur'd. 
Simplicity  of  mauners  I  acquired. 
If  their  commands  are  just^  [will  obey 
The  Sons  of  Atreus;  when  unjust,  refuse 
Each  base  concession  :  with  a  liberal  spirit 
So  will  I  act  both  here,  and  when  at  Troy^ 
As  shall  do  honour  to  the  God  I  serve 
Mars  the  invincible.     But  as  for  thee. 
Whose  sufferings  from  unnatural  friends  arise^ 
All  the  protection  that  a  yojutb  can  give 
To  thee,  by  pity  moV*d,  will  I  extend; 
I^or  shall  the  ruthless  Father  ever  slay 
Thy  Daughter  who  was  styfd  my  Bride^  nor  cloak 
Such  treachery  with  the  sanction  ^f  Achilles. 
For  tho'  1  wielded  not  tl^  murderous  blade. 
My  name  would  be  tb'  assasLn  :  yet  thy  Lord 
Is  the  true  cause.     No  longer  from  the  stain 
Of  shedding  guiltless  blood  should  I  be  pure, 
If,  for  my  sake,  and  on  a  vile  pretence 
Of  wedding  her  to  me,  this  Maid  should  perisht 
While  Menelaus  is  esteem'd  a  man, 
Shall  I  be  far  beneath  the  meanest  Greek, 
A  thing  of  nought,  begotten  by  some  Fiend, 
Not  Peleus'  son,  if  in  my  name  thy  Lord 
The  Virgin  slay.     By  Nereus,  who  resides 
Beneath  the  briny  deep,  the  Sire  of  Thetis 
Who  bore  me,  ne'er  shall  Agamemnon  touch 
Thy  Daughter,  nor  pollute  her  spotless  veil. 
^  Plac'd  on  the  limits  of  Barbarian  realms 

Sooner  shall  Sipylu^,  whence  yon  proud  Chiefs 


120  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

Derive  their  origin,  become  illustrious, 
And  martial  Phthia  have  no  more  a  name. 
Caleb  as,  that  Seer,  in  bitterness  of  soul 
Shall  carry  back  again  his  salted  cates 
And  layers.     For  what  species  of  a  man 
Is  he  who  acts  the  Prophet  f  some  few  truths. 
With  many  falshoods  mingled^  .he  deals  forth' 
When  Fortune  aids  him :  but  if  she  oppose^ 
His  vaunted  science  is  for  ever  lost. 
How  many  nymphs  in  wedlock  vie  to  gain 
My  plighted  hand !  no  empty  boasts  are  these* 
But  Agamemnon,  haughty  king,  with  scorn 
Hath  treated  me  :  he  ought  to  have  applied 
For  my  permission,  ere  he  us'd  my  name 
His  Daughter  to  ensnare.     For  to  my  arms, 
With  joy,  would  Clytemnestra  have  consign'd. 
And  I  to  all  the  Greeks  surrendered  up. 
The  maid ;  if  hence  our  voyage  to  the  shores 
Of  Troy  had  been  obstructed,  nor  refuVd 
The  weal  of  my  brave  comrades  to  promote. 
But  now  by  those  two  Generals  am  I  deem'd 
A  thing  of  no  account,  which  as  they  list 
They  may  respect  or  slight.     My  last  appeal 
Is  to  this  sword,  which  ere  on  Phrygians  coast 
We  land,  with  crimson  slaughter  will  I  stain. 
If  any  one  presume  with  ruffian  hand 
To  force  thy  Daughter  from  me.     Be  appeas'd ; 
Thou  (27)  view'st  me  like  a  tutelary  God  ; 

(27)  Commentators  are  frequently  most  decisive  in  their  language, 
when  they  have  no  firm  ground  to  stand  upon :  Mr.  Markhind,  after 
having  pronounced  that  this  passage,  as  it  stands  in  all  preceding  editions, 
is  extremely  absurd,  ( «  stuUismncr)  through  a  determination  to  give  no 
offence  to  any  one,  has  suffered  the  text  to  remafai,  but  altered  the  Latin 
version,  and  placed  in  a  note  his  own  reading,  which  comes  apparently 
unsupported  by  any  authority  either  printed  or  manuscript,  fxryu/he  w  *ywf 
axx'  ofMJi  ynwilox,  maximum,  est  diseriinen :  sed  tamen  fiet.  In  a  subse- 
^ent  speech  of  Achilles,  v.  1003,  we  meet  vnth  gfJM  hT  ayjjf  fx»>w1fef. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  i«i 

I  am  not  yet  entitled  to  that  nam^^ 
But  ti-ust  I  shall  be. 

CHORUS. 
This  heroic  language, 
O  son  of  Peleus,  well  becomes  thyself 
And  thy  great  sea-born  Mother. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

In  whatierms, 
What  well-proportion'd  terms,  shall  I  express 
My  gratitude,  your  favour  not  to  forfeit  ? 
For  when  encomiums  on  the  good  are  shower'd, 
They  feel  a  kind  of  hatred  to  the  man 
Who,  in  the  praises  he  confers,  exceeds 
The  bounds  of  truth.     I  blush  that  I  have  nousjht 
With  which  your  generous  friendship  to  repay 
But  lamentations,  by  my  private  woes 
Wholly  absorbed  :  you  never  have  endur'd 
Distress  like  mine.     Yet  in  a  stranger's  cause 
\  The  virtuous  man  extends  his  arm,  and  lifts 
AflBiction  from  ^he  dust.     On  me  bestow 
'  Your  pity,  for  the  woes  I  have  endur'd 
Challenge  compassion.     Thinking  to  obtain 
In  you  a  Son  in  law,  I  cherish'd  hopes 
That  were  ill-grounded.     Iphigenia's  death 
Perhaps  may  prove  an  omen  to  destroy 
Your  bliss  in  future  nuptials :  such  a  curse 
On  you  isxit  incumbent  to  avert. 
With  nobly  profferd  aid  began  the  speech 

which  probably  gave  rise  to  tliis  mutilation  of  an  animated  passage, 
in  order  to  make  the  Hero  say  the  same  thing  twice  over  at  the  distance 
of  scarce  thirty  lines.  Dr.  Miisgrave  does  not  adopt  Mr.  Markland's 
conjectnre,  but  proposes  altering  axx'  opoc  into  tCKNi;  icv,  and  on  this  inno-  ' 
vation,  which  he  barely  starts  as  ]mud  incpiiim,  grounds  his  Latin  vci-sion 
cum  non  alius  sim  quam  quod  ero.  AmiJst  tliis  diiTcrencc  of  opinion, 
l!  can  by  no  means  hesitate  in  preferring  the  vnl;4ar  text,  as  by  far  more 
worthy  of  Euripides,  and  more  ex^ircspivc  of  tlie  nihil  non  arro,<iet 
armis  of  Aclulles'  chai*actcr,  than  either  of  the  suggested  alteratioLs. 


122  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULtS. 

Which  you  as  nobly  ended  :  persevere. 

And  you  will  save  my  Daughter.     To  your  kneet 

Shall  she  a  suppliant  cling  ?  'twould  ill  beseem 

A  tender  virgin  :  yet,  if  you  require. 

She  shall  come  forth,  but  come  with  downcart  eyes. 

And  shame  ingenuous.     Or  shall  I  obtain 

From  you,  tho'  she  appear  not^  this  request? 

^  ACHILLE8. 

Let  her  remain  at  home  :  a  bashCtil  maid 
The  dictates  of  her  modesty  obeys. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Yet  must  we  not  extend  e'en  virtuous  shamo 
Beyond  all  bounds,  where  shame  can  nought  avai], 

ACHILLES. 

Bring  not  thy  Daughter,  lest  reproach  attend 
Our  inconsiderate  meeting  :  for  the  host^ 
Idle  and  free  from  occupation,  love 
Tales  of  accurst  malevolence  to  spread. 
The  same  my  zeal,  whether  ye  come  as  suppliasts^ 
Or  wave  your  suit :  for  on  a  mighty  conflict 
Am  I  resolv'd,  to  snatch  you  from  your  woes. 
Of  one  thing  be  assur'd,  I  ne'er  will  utter 
A  falshood.     When  I  raise  thy  groundless  hopes. 
May  instant  death  o'ertake  me.     May  I  live 
But  on  these  terms,  if  I  the  Virgin  save. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Heaven  prosper  each  attempt,  while  you  continue 
To  be  the  firm  protector  of  the  wretched. 

ACHILLES. 

Attend  to  what  I  urge,  that  as  we  ought 
We  may  conduct  the  plan. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

What's  this  you  mean 
That  now  demands  attention  ? 

ACHILLES. 

Yet  again 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  123 

Let  us  exhort  her  Sire  to  think  more  wisely. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

He  like  a  coward  fears  th'  assembled  troops. 

ACHILLES. 
Fresh  motives  o'er  those  motives  may  preveal. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Cold  are  toy  hopes  :  say,  how  shall  I  proceed  ? 

ACHILLES. 
Entreat  him  first,  his  Daughter  not  to  slay : 
If  he  deny  thy  suit,  to  me  repair  : 
]3ut  if  thou  by  persuasive  words  canst  gain 
His  stubborn  soul,  fpr  me  to  interfere 
Would  in  that  case  be  needless  ;  she  will  owe 
To  thee  alone  her  safety,  and  my  friendship 
With  Agamemnon  will  remain  entire : 
Nor,  by  the  host,  4f  I  with  reason's  aid. 
Rather  than  open  violence,  prevail. 
Shall  I  be  blam'd.     Thy  wishes  thus  obtained. 
Both  to  thy  friends  and  thee,  'twill  be  more  glorious 
To  have  succeeded^  tho'  in  your  behalf 
I  interpos'd  not. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Wisely  have  you  spoken : 
I'll  follow  j'our  advice :  but  if  I  fail 
In  my  attempt,  "where  shall  we  meet  again  ? 
Wretch  that  I  am,  ah,  whither  shall  I  go 
To  have  recourse  to  your  victorious  arm. 
My  safeguard  in  distress  f 

ACHILLES. 

I  will  attend 
Ready  to  guard  thee  in  the  hour  of  need : 
But  O  beware,  lest  thou  with  terror  smitten 
Be  seen  to  wander  thro'  the  camp^  and  shame 
Thy  ancestors  :  for  Tyndarus*  race,  rever'd 
By  every  Greek,   no  obloquy  deserves. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Then  be  it  so  :  lead  on  ;  I  will  obey 


1«4  IPHlGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

Your  mandates.  Sure,  if  any  Gods  existj 
SucKvii'tue  will  most  amply  be  rewarded: 
If  there  be  none,  our  arduous  toils  are  vain. 

^Exeunt  aciiilles  and  clytbmnestra. 


O    p    E. 

r. 

What  rapturous  accents  breath'd  around. 

When  Hymen  mid'st  th'  enchanting  stratQ 

Advancing  with  his  choral  train. 
Bade  Libya's  flute,  the  harp,  the  pipe  resound! 
Then  lip  ihe  ridge  of  Pelion's  craggy  mount, 

Distingutsh'd  by  their  streaming  hair. 
Came  the  bright  Nymphs  who  haunt  Pieria's  founts 

The  banquet  of  the  Gods  to  share ; 

Oft  their  swift  feet  in^airy  bound 
■     With  golden  sandals  smote  the  ground, 

At  Peleus'  nuptial  rite  they  sung, 

On  hills  where  Centaurs  fierce  reside, 
Thfe  charms  of  Thetis,  of  th'  immortal  Bride, 
And  for  the  son  of  ^acus  was  strung 

Each  sounding  lyre  in  Pelion's  grove. 

Then  sprung  from  Dardanus,   the  Boy 

(Minion  of  cloud-compelling  Jove) 
Illustrious  Ganymede  the  pride  of  Troy, 

With  nectar  fill'd  the  goblet  high. 

!n  circling  dance,    an  agile  band. 
While  Nereus'  fifty  Daughters  on  the  strand 

Grac'd  Hymen's  blest  solemnity. 

II- 
Each  Centaur  snatch'd  a  sapling  pine, 
Around  his  hardy  front  was  plac'd 
The  grassy  wiealh,  he  lush'd  to  taste 
The  feasts  of  Heaven,  and  Bacchus'  rosy  wine.  ■ 


M 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AUtlS.  ng 

*'  Daughter  of  Nereus,  hail !  a  light  I  view  ;" 
The  N3'mphs  of  Thessaly  exclaim'd. 

Phoebus  the  tuneful  Seer,. and  he  who  knew 
(32)  The  Muses'  mystic  lore,  far  fam'd 
For  virtue,  Chiron  sage,  foretold 
By  name,  the  Chief  in  combats  bold 
Who  his  Myrmidons  shall  lead 
Into  the  wealthy  realms  of  Troy, . 

And  Priam's  dome  with  vengeful  flames  destroy : 

Thus  have  the  Fates'  supreme  behests  decreed. 

(32)  Mwo-rcy  yenuanCf  rendered  by  Barnes  Musarum  generationes, 
here  I  apprehend  signifies  genealogias  a  Musis  decantatas,  that  is  to 
say,  "  the  poetic  annals  or  genealogies  of  Gods  and  Heroes.**  Eras^ 
mus  renders  it  mystica  sacra  sororum  Castalariom.  Mr.  Markland, 
Mr.  Tymnhitt,  and  Dr.  Musgrave,  concur  in  looking  upon  ywwHc 
as  a  verb  instead  of  a  substantive,  Dorice  pro  yttrvms  ;  the  first  reo* 
ders  it  paries  vimm,  and  tlie  last  creabis,  and  they  interpret  f|uwH 
pi^nr  clare  -dixit,  or  eifatos  est :  these  versions  seem  peculiarly  harsh  : 
bnt  the  proposal  of  Mr.  Markland,  in  which  I  observe  he  stands  sm< 
gle,  to  alter  t/iufffa  into  Motgay,  alleging  that  the  Muses  themselvea 
are  the  speakers,  and  making  them  relate  the  prophesies  of  Apollo 
and  Chiron,  is  liable  to  much  stronger  objections,  as  Apollo  could  ' 
not  with  any  propriety  be  excluded  from  this  harmonious  banquet 
of  the  Gods,  even  though  Juno. had  notexpresdy  reminded  him  in  Ho- 
mer that  he  was  one  of  the  gnests, 

Tleefltg   3*  ceflutaah   8t9»   ytt^'  lY  It  ov  roun 

^asfv  t-^u/f  ^fxiyya,  II,  L.  xxiv.  V.  62. 

And  in  regard  to  Chiron,  it  has  already  been  mentioned  by  Aga- 
memnon in  this  Tragedy,  that  he  was  the  friend  of  Peleus,  and 
dwelt  on  this  mountain;  which  renders  it  almost  needless  to  cite 
Apollodoms,  who  informs  us  that  he  presented  Peleus  at  his  naptials 
with  the  famous  spear  which  his  Son  Achilles  afterwards  brought  to 
the  siege  of  Troy,  in  order  to  prove  that  he  was  one  of  the  Centaurs 
who  attended  the  festivity.  It  seems  much  more  consonant  both  to 
poetry  and  probability,  that  Chiron  should  expatiate  oq  the  atchieve- 
ments  of  his  future  pupil  Achilles,  than  that  the  Muses  should  con? 
titiue  to  speak,  as  thiey  do  in  Mr.  Markland*s  Latiii  version,  and  quote 
the  prophesies  of  Apollo  and  Chiron,  when  it'  is  cleu*  that  they-^ 
were  both  preset,  and  formed  a  part  of  the  guests  assembled  on  ^lount 
Pelion.  I  therefore  follow  the  example  of  the  Aldus  edition,  iu  placing 
after  the  word  fxv;  a  full  stop. 


1«6  iPHtGENlA  IN  AVL18. 

To  him,  impenetrable  arins> 
By  Vulcan  forg'd,  of  massive  gold, 
His  Mother,  'midst  war's  dire  alarms 
Shall  bring,  her  happy  offspring  to  infold. 
Then  did  the  whole  immortal  Choir, 
With  tuneful  accents  to  adorn 
Great  Peleus'  and  the  Nereid's  bridal  morn. 
Accompany  the  festive  lyre. 

III. 
But  deck'd  with  garlands  braided  rotind  thy  head. 
Thou,  Iphigenia,  shalt  be  led 
By  Grecian  priests ;  and  as  the  heifer,  torn 
From  rocky  caves,  reluctant  meets  the  blow. 

Thy  crimson  gore  shall  flow  : 
Nor  pipe,  nor  shepherd's  song  at  early  morn 

Awak'd  thee,  nurtur'd  on  the  plain  ; 
But  thro'  maternal  eare  with  bridal  pomp  attir'd. 
A  Bride  by  each  Inachian  Chief  desir*d, 
Thou  hither  bring'st  thy  weeping  train. 
'  How  shall  the  modest  blushes  o'er  that  face  , 
Diffiis'd,  or  in  this  fatal  hour  ' 

Thy  virttres  aught  avail. 
While  impious  men  engross  all  power; 
If  thus  neglected,  honour  fail, 
.  And  violence  o'er  law  prevail  f 
Hence,  general  danger  threats  the  human  race, 
I^st  the  vindictive  Gods  a  sinful  world  assail.    . 

CLYTEMNESTRA,  CHORUS. 

CLYTEMNfiSTRA. 

I  from  these  doors'  conie  forth  to  se^k  my  Lptd,' 
Who  hence  hath  long  been  absent.  My  poor  l!>aughter 
Sheds  the  big  tear,  and  pours  forth  many  groans 
Eifpt^ssive  of  her  anguish,  since  she  heard 
She  by  her  cruel  Sire  is  doom'd  to  bleed, 
By  Agamemnon:  he  whom  I  have  n;iention'd 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  127 

4 

Draws  near^  and  on  his  own  unhappy  Child 
Ere  long  will  execute  this  deed  of  horror. 

AGAMEMNON,  CLYTEMNESTRA,  CHORUS. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Daughter  of  Led  a,  at  a  lucky  season 
I  find  thee  here  without,  that  I  may  speak 
Apart  from  Iphigenia,  on  those  subjects 
Which  in  the  presence  of  a  timid  Bride 
Cannot  be  nam'd  with  decency. 

CLYTEMNETSRA. 

What  business 
Doth  this  occa^on  to  my  Lord  suggest  I 

AOAMl^tfNON. 

From  her  apartment  let  my  Daughter  go 
Accompanied  by  none  except  her  sire : 
The  holy  layers  with  the  sahed  cakes 
Which  we  most  scatter  in  the  lustral  flame. 
And  heifers,  that  to  Dian  must  be  slain. 
As  .victims,  ere  the  nuptial  rights  commence. 
Tinging  her  altat  with  their  crimson  gore, 
Are  ready. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 
Tho'  in  courteous  terms  you  speak, 
I  cannot  nanie  your  aetions^  with  applause. 
Come  forth,  my  Daughter,  for  full  well  thou  khow'st 
Thy  Sire's  designs ;  wrapt  in  thy  flowing  robe. 
Thy  Frother  young  Orestes  hither  bring. 
Obedient  to  your'sumdions,  lo  she  comes ! 
Both  in  her  cause  and  mine  I  now  shall  plead. 

IPHIGENIA,  AGAMEMI^ON,  CLYTEMNESTRAi 

CHORUS; 

AGAMEMNON. 

Why  weep'st  thou,  O  my  Daughter,  whence  proceeds 


1S8  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

That  alter'd  look  f  what  mean  those  downcast  eyes, 
Fix'd  on  the  ground,  and  cover'd  with  a  veil? 

IPHIGENIA. 

Ah,  how  the  doleful  history  of  my  woes 
Shall  I  begin  ?  they  all  at  once  seem  present, 
Nor  know  I  in  what  order  to  arrange  them, 
Which  first,  which  last  to  name. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Why  do  ye  form 
One  plaintive  groupe,  expressing  in  each  face 
Coqfusion  and  dismay  ? 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

My  Lord,  reply 
With  an  ingenuous  freedom  to  my  questions. 

AGAMEMNON. 

No  counsel  on  this  subject  can  I  need; 
I  wish  to  hear  them. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Are  you  bent  on  slaying 
Our  Daughter  ?  ~ 

AGAMEMNON. 

Ha !   what  horrid  words  are  these  I 
Thou  ought'st  not  to  suspect  that  I  e'er  form'd  • 
Such  project.     Peace. 

CLYTEMNESTRA.  / 

To  my  enquiries  give 
A  more  explicit  answer. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Had  thy  questions 
Been  proper,  I  had  answer'd  as  I  ought. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

To  this  one  point  I  fix  them ;   nought  beside 
Is  there  for  you  to  speak  of. 

AGAMEMNON. 

Aweful  Fortune, 
Ye  Destinies,  and  O  my  evil  genius ! 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  l«9 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

On  me,  on  her,  on  you,  one  Demon  hurls  ' 
TThis  triple  wrath. 

AGAMEMNON. 

.    In  what  respect  hast  thou 
Been  injur'd  ? 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

How  can  you  presume  to  ask? 
This  shallow  artifice  betrays  the  fool. 

AGAMEMNON. 

I  am  undone,  my  secrets  are  disclos'd. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Full  well  I  know  them  all,   and  am  apprisM 
Of  the  designs  which  you  'gainst  me  'have  fram'd. 
That  silence,  and  those  oft  repeated  groans, 
Amount  to  a  confession ;  spare  yourself 
The  labour  of  a  frivolous  reply, 

AGAMEMNON. 

Lo  I  am  mute.  I  to  my  woes  should  add 
The  want  of  virtuous  shame,  were  I  to  utter 
Premeditated  falshoods. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Now  give  ear 
To  me ;  for  I  will  act  an  open  part 
Nor  riddles,  foreign  to  my  purpose  use. 
First  with  this  just  reproach  I  brand  your  name, 
By  force  you  seiz'd  me  a  reluctant  Bride, 
Slew  Tantalus,  my  former  Lord,  and  dash'd 
Our  infant  child,  whom  from  my  breast  you  tore. 
Against  the  pavement.    Jove^s  illustrious  Sons 
My  Brothers,  on  their  milk-w^ite  coursers  borne, 
Wag'd  war  against  you  ;   but  my  aged  Sire, 
Tyndarus,  when  vanquished  at  his  knees  you  bow'd 
A  suppliant,  set  you  free,  and  join^  our  hands 
Again  in  wedlock :  reconcil'd  to  you 

VOL*  II.  K 


ISO  IPHIGENIA  IN  AmJB. 

And  to  ybm  house,  yoaraelf  can  bear  me  witness. 

That  from  that  time,  still  blameless  and  still  clHate(S8)/ 

I  have  improved  your  fortunes,  that  at  home 

You  might  rejoice,  and  oft  as  you  went  forth 

From  your  own  mansioos,  with  success  be  crown'd. 

Few  are  the  men  so  blest  as  to  obtain 

Such  Consorts ;  to  the  lot  of  many  fall 

They  who, are  worthless.     I  moreotfcr  bore 

To  yon  three  lovely  Daughters  add  this  Son; 

Yet  me  you  will  inhumanly  bereave 

Of  one  dear  child.'  Should  any  one  tnqoir^ 

The  cause  for  which  you  take  her  life  away  ; 

What  plausible  excuse  can  you  alfoge  i 

Or  shall  I  utter  whtit  you  dare  not  speiik  ? 

*'  That  Menelausriiay  recover  Hekli/' 

Glorious  exchange  !  our  children  as  the^ price 

Of  her  redemption^  for  that  wicked  wointo 

If  we  should  barter,  and  thus*  purchase  back 

Those  we  abhor,  «pbn  such  fatal  terms 

To  those  we  hold  tnost  dear.     But  leading  forth 

The  troops,  if  me  you  leave  forlorn  «t  bdibe. 

And  on  the  coasts  of  liion  long  remain  ; 

Think  you  what  agonizing  pangs  will  rend 

This  heart,  when  I  her  vacant  chair  behold. 

Her  chamber  uninhabited  ?  alone 

Shall  I  sit  weeping,  and  in  strains  like  these 

Bewail  her  fate;  "TVly  Daugliter,   thy  own- Sire 

'*  Hath  slain  thee,  he,  alas!  and  none  but  he, 

"  Nor  by  another  hand.     Such  is  the  gift 

'*  He  to  our  house  departing  leaves  behind,'* 

But  littje  more  pretext  there  needs  to  urge 

(33)  ^  dytemnestra  bad  no  pretedsiiaiis  afterwards  to  bflasi  tUM 
^*  of  her  fidelity.  These  reproaches  shew  that  she  per^fM  alrea4Sr 
"  repented  of  it.  Her  love  for  /Egisthus,  and  the  murder  of  Ag»- 
**  memnon,  afterwards  avenged  the  crimes  mUk  which 'she  has  MaNT 
^  been  cbargmg  her  unhappy  Husband.'^  BavHdT. 


ifHiGENitA  m  Amn,         m 

•Me,  and  the  rest  of  Biy ^unhappy  Daughters, 

To  give  you  the  .reception  you  deserve. 

I  by  the  Gods  conjuce  jfQU  thep,  forbear. 

Either  to  .wrong,  or  force  qie  to  retalUte, 

(34)  Well,  be. it  so:  the  virgin  you  re.9olve 

To  sacrifice :  but  after  su<4i  -a  d^^d 

How  can  you  pray  to  Heaven,  \vhat  blessing?  cmve 

When  you  have  slain  your  child?  thu3  basely  launchini;: 

The  bark  for  Troy,  es;cept^ou  to  return 

Without  disgrace?  But  vfere  it  just  in  me 

To  ofier  up  my  vows  for  your  success  i 

If  we  our  aatient  kindness  sti)l  retain 

For  murderers,  ;must  we  not  infer  the. Gods 

Want  reason  ?  Fondly  think  yo^. to  embroGe 

Your  children,  whenrto  Argos  you  return, 

If  one  of  ihem.  deliberately  you  skyrf 

This  cannot ibe :  for  who  among. them  all 

Will  bear  to  see  your^fi^ce?  But  il  now  enter 

On  this  important  4]uestion,  if  to  wield 

A  seep tre^  and  lead  forth  the  troops  to  battle. 

Be  your  sole  iwish ;  in  these  .emphatic  words 

The  s<{oadFons  you  with  Justice  might,  address; 

'*  Are  ye  dispos'd,  ,0  Greeks,  .to  sail  for  Troy  t 

"  By  lot  decide  whose  Daughter  shall  be  slain." 

^he  hazard  then  wereequal:  but  not  thus 

When  as  a  chosen  victim  for  all  r  Greece,^ 

Your  Daughter  you  be?tow.    Or,  to  redeem 

Her  mother,  Menelaus  should  have  slain 

Hermione,  (his. interests-  were  at  stake. 

But  now  must  I,  who  to  your  bed, remain 

Still  faithful,  havemy  Daiighter  torn  away; 

(34)  ''These  lines  are, e^t^em^y  apimated,  full  of.spi^  Jodig- 
''  nation,  and  just  reasoning,  and  worthy  of  the  most  heroic  of  tiie 
**  Daughters  of  Tyndarus :  they  may  be  reckoned  among  the  princi- 
"i  PJf^i  P9fi93ges  of  .Eiuripid^  in  this  species  of  writing*"    MARKifAWi)* 


.]S2  ^PHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

While  she  who  hath  transgressed  shall  train  up  hers  (35) 
In  Sparta,  and  become  a  happy  Dame. 
Confute  me,  if  in  aught  I  speak  amiss. 
But  if  I  speak  aright,  our  Daughter  slay  not. 
And  you  will  act  a  prudent  virtuous  part. 

CHORUS. 

Yield,  Agamemnon,  to  preserve  our  children 
Is  laudable,  this  all  mankind  allows. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Had  I  a  voice  of  Orpheus,  O  my  Sire, 
Could  I  by  magic  incantations  move 
The  stones  to  follow  me,  and  with  soft  words 
Sooth  every  hearer,  I  would  have  recourse 
To  arts  thus  powerful;  but  must  now  make  use 
Of  all  the  eloquence  I  have,  these  tears. 
Here  round  thy  knees  an  humble  suppliant  clings 
Thy  Daughter,  for  her  sake  who  brought  me  fortb^ 
Consign  me  not  to  an  untimely  death  ; 
For  sweet  it  is  to  look  upon  the  Sun : 
Earth's  nether  regions  force  me  not  to  view. 
Thee  by  the  name  of  Sire  I  first  did  hail. 
Me  didst  thou  first  call  Daughter:  on  thy  knees 
First  did  I  hang,  afford,  and  in  my  turn 
From  thee  endearments  numberless  receive. 
These  were  the  words  thou  said'st ;  "  thee,  O  my  Child, 
'*  At  a  maturer  age  shall  I  behold, 
*'  Adorn  the  mansions  of  a  happy  Lord, 
"  Plac'd  in  such  station  as  my  rank  deserves?*' 
While  oft  that  chin  (which  now  with  trembling  hands 
I  touch)  embracing;   thus  have  I  i*eply'd; 
'*  In  thy  decline  of  life  shall  I  receive 
'•  Thee,  O  my  aged  Sire^  with  filial  zeal 

Opening  my  mansion's  hospitable  gates. 


if 


(35)  The  old  editions  have  i^worgo^,    but  viail^ofw  is,  accordin|f  ti 
Mr.  Markland  and  Dr.  Miisgrave,  Uie  reading  of  three  manuscripts. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AUUS.  13J 

^  Those  cares  to  recompense,  with  which  thou  erst 

^'  Didst  nurture  me?"  My  men[iory  still  retains 

Each  fond  expression  we  both  u'tter'd  then ; 

But  thou,  forgetting  all  that  pass'd,  wouldst  slay 

Thy  Daughter.     Thee  by  Pelops  I  conjure. 

By  Atreus  too  thy  Father,  and  by  lier 

Who  bore  me  erst,   who  now  again  endures 

Pangs  that  exceed  the  pregnant  mother's  throes. 

To  spare  my  life.     For  what  have  I  to  do 

With  the  espousals,  the  adulterous  loves 

Of  Paris  and  of  Helen?  O  my  Sire, 

To  vindicate  my  doom,  why  introduce 

Their  foul  offence  ?  at  least  one  gracious  look. 

One  parting  kiss  bestow,  that  ere  I  die, 

If  ray  words  fail  to  move  thee,  I  may  gain 

These  slight  memorials  xjf  paternal  love. 

My  Brother,   tho*  small  succour  to  thy  friends 

Thott  canst  afford,   yet  by  thy  tears  entreat 

Thy  Father,  that  thy  Sister  may  not  die. 

There  is  a  certain  sense  of  others'  woe, 

Which  even  infants  feel.     My  Father,  see 

His  silent  supplication  he  prefers. 

Revere  my  sufferings,   and  thro'  pity  spare 

My  life.     We  two,  both  objects  of  thy  love, 

Thy  blooming  Daughter,   and  thy  tender  Son, 

Implore  thee  by  that  beard  :  I^  to  conclude, 

This  one  prevailing  argument  will  use ; 

Most  grateful  is  it  to  tlie  human  race 

To  view  the  Sun  :    but  in  yon  realms  beneath, 

(Such  wish  were  utter  frenzy)  none  would  dwell. 

(36)  Better,  tho'  on  the  worst  of  terms,  is  life, 

Than  the  most  glorious  deaths 

(36)  Althongli  these  seotlnients,  whieh  the  Cborns  suffer  to  pass 
■Bcensured,  are  held  by  some  critics  to  be  utterly  inconsisteut  witfc' 
the  dignity  of  a  Tragic  Heroine;  it  is  not  unworthy  of  observation* 
that  the  Achilles  of  Homer,  both  while  living,  in  his  reply   to  the 
Ambassadors   sent  by  Agamemnon,  in  the  nmth  book  of  the  Iliad, 


134  IPHIOENIA  IN  AULIS; 

GHOKUS. 

Unhtippy  H«kn> 
Thro'  thee  and  thy  espousals,  'twtxt  the  Sand 
Of  Atreus,  and  their  race,  great  discorcb  nie. 

a6awemno]*. 

Both  when  to  give  compassion  aiiiple  scc^ey 
And  when  to  check  hs  tide  forll'  well  I  know; 
I  for  my  Children  feet  paternal  love. 
Else  I  were  frantic.    Thoi*  my  woornded  heaft 
Recoil  at  such  oblation,  to  withhold 
The  sacrifice  were  impious.     I  ihust  slajr 
My  Daughter.    Seest  thou  not  this  riumerotts  Seetg 
These  Grecian  Chiefs  in  glittering  mail  anrsy'd  I 
They  to  the  shores  df  Ilion  cannot  sail^ 
Or  lay  its  turrets  level  with  the  ground, 
Thee,  O  my  dearest  Child,  if  1  refuse. 
To  offer  up :  thus  Calehas,  holy  Seer, 
Pronounces.     With  a  vehement  desire 
Are  the  whole  host  inilam'd,  to  launch  their  barks 
Immediately,  for  thai  Barbarian  coast. 
And  punish  the  bold  miscreant  wt^o  prefsmn'd 
To  bear  away  a  royal  Grecian  Dame  : 
Those  virgin  Daughters  whom  I  left  behind 

and  SifUir  deatii,   iii  nrfaat  he  Ays  to  U^r^ses^  ^ho  deaeeodi  iato  Ifi4 
Infernal  regions,  carries  this  idea  yet  farther;   J  ivill  here  only  dtf 
the  hitter  of  tbese  jiassages,  as  being  the  most  concise  and  most  tnu 
inediately  apposite  to  my  j^hrtto^; 

H  wourif  vtiojsffai  Ktffttn  ^Sifjt.pnm't  eetemvea,  Odysa*  1m  11.  fv488U 

Rather  I  chuse  kiboriously  to  bear 

A  weight  of  woes  and  breathe  the  vital  air, 

A  slave  to  some  poor  hiiid  thait  tofls  for  br<^d, 

Than  reigQ  the  scepter 'd  monarch  of  the  dead.  Pope* 

This  doctrine  is  however  sem^l^  t^prohiteA  by  PUfttti  lil  the  ttird 
ImmA  bf  ht»  Republ^ ;  and  Hie  sorcastfe;  liudan  IM^  fmnit^  <m  fMft 
wvy  passajse  of  flbaier  fail  i5tfa  Dkmga^Vof  lite  Det^d,  in  WHIdhii^ 
inlh>diices  AntiMbns,  the  ioA  of  N^stbr,  ^ufr^Big  ^kM  ^ciafaftlii? 
WlvUbiiy  mw^Tth^  m  Petetfe'  Ho^  i^  •pi^HI  of  tlttllMi  a»M 


IP«IOENU  IN  AUJJ&  m 

At  Argos^  will  they  kil^  iK>r  in  tbeir  rage 
Spare  either  you  or.  me,  if  ihus  1  fr4,ijsU'ate 
Diana's  oracles.    Nor  yet  ky  fprce. 
Hath  Menelftus  conqueir'dy  O  my  Chiid> 
Nor  have  his  subtle  argu(n,ent&  convinc'd  me  ; 
But  Greepe  prevails^  and  tbee  I  in  the  cause 
Of  Greece  must  at  the  altai*  oSSer  up^ 
Willing  or  loth :  for  I  to  fate  must  yii^ld; 
Us  it  behoves^  exerling  all  our  mightf 
The  freedom  of  oar  country  to  maintain^ 
For  we  are  Greeks,  and  will  not  tamelv  suffer 
Barbarian  sli^^iea  to  violate  our  beds. 

[Exk  AGAMBMNON 
<aiYTEMN£8TRA. 

My  Daughter  I  O  ye  foreign  Maidfij! 
Soon^  hapless  Virgin,  shalt  thou  die; 
See  thy  relentless  Father  fly. 
And  yield  tbee  trembling  to  the  shades. 

IPHIGH&NIA. 

Warbling  the  same  pathetic  strain 
With  you,  my  Mother,  I  complain. 
No  more  these  closing  eyes  shall  view 
The  genial  radiance  of  the  Morn, 
^  The  Sun  his  blest  career  renew. 
From  you,  aJas{  1  trace  my  woes. 
Ye  mountains  .white  with  drifted  snow«, 
And  Ida^s  cpnsecrated  grave. 
Where,  struggling  with  paternal  love^ 
Priam  expos'd  the  infant,  torn 
From  a  desponding  Mother's  breast^ 
Abandon^  on  the  distant  heath 
To  £ate  and  unrelenting  death : 
By  Phrygia*s  wondering  tribes  carest, 
Hence  youthful  Paris  did  obtain 
The  name  of  Idji's,  Ida's  swain. 
Ah,  would  to  Heaven  tb'  adventurous  boy 


156  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

Had  ne'er  been  destined  t6  abide. 
Where  he  the  lowing  herds  with  joy 
Did  as  a  simple  peasant  tend ; 
Nor  seen  those  limpid  rills  descend. 
Haunted  by  Nymphs,  who  on  their  side 
Oft  croppM  the  rose's  blushing  flowers. 
And  interwove  with  hands  divine 
Their  fragrant  hyacynthine  bowers: 
Thither  the  sage  Minerva  came, 
Venus,  and  Jove's  imperial  Dame, 
With  Hermes,  whom  the  Gods  enjoin 
The  Thunderer's  embassies  to  bear; 
(In  Cytherea's  wanton  look, 
Love  revell'd  with  triumphant  air. 
Her  pointed  spear  Minei'va  shook, 
JuQo  advanc'd  with  statelier  mien 
Expressive  of  the  scepter?d  Queen) 
Their  hateful  contest  to  decide. 
The  power  of  rival  charms  to  try  : 
I  hence,  alas!  am  doom'd  to  die ;  • 
But  Greece  shall  with  victorious  pride 
Extend  her  streaming  banners  wide. 

CHORUS. 
Diana  claims  thy  sprinkled  gore ; 
Hence  they  shall  land  on  Ilion's  shore, 

IPHIGENIA. 

O  Mother,  how  it  wounds  my  heart. 
To  see  that  treacherous  Sire  depart ! 
On  him,  forlorn,  in  vain  I  call*     . 
Ah  ipe !  this  miserable  fate 
From  that  iilromen'd  hour  I  date. 
When  Helen  sought  the  Phrygian  strand. 
And  now  am  I  decreed  to  fall 
By  my  own  Father's  impious  band. 
O  that  these  straits  had  not  detain'd 
The  fleet  for  Ilion  bound,  nor  Jove 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  137 

Over  Euripus*  gulph  ordain'd 
No  prosperous  wind  from  Heaven  to  blow ! 
On  some,  the  ftivour'd  few,  mild  gales 
Cheering  their  souls  doth  he  bestow, 
And  aid  them  to  unfurl  their  sails ; 
But  others  lie  forbids  to  move, 
GompassM  with  various  griefs  around. 
And  with  necessity's  fell  train  ; 
Those  from  the  port  their  vessels  guide. 
Weigh  anchor,  and  the  surge  divide; 
Moor'd  on  the  coast  while  these  remain. 
Our  feeble  race  with  toils  abound, 
E  en  all  who  draw  their  vital  breath. 
Shall  not  these  destined  ills  content  f 
Weak  roaU)  their  number  to  augment 
By  searching  our  new  modes  of  death. 

CHORUS. 

.  Anguish  and  slaughter,  Greece  invade. 
Thro'  Helen,  that  inconstant  fair, 
I  pity  thee,  unhappy  Maid, 
And  wish  that  thou,  by  fate  betray'd, 
Sttcb  woes  hadst  ne'er  been  doomed  to  bear. 

IPraOENIA. 

My  dearest  Mother,  I  behold  a  troop 
Of  armed  men  xiraw  near. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

And  that  brave  Chief, 
Sprung  from  the  Goddess,  wlipm  thou  cam'st  to  wed. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Open  the  doors  :  I  would  conceal  myself.- 

GLYTEMNJEISTRA; 

O  Daughter,  whither  fliest  thou  ? 

IPHIGENIA. 

From  Achilles,   > 
Whom  modesty  forbids  me  to  behold. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Why  so  ? 


n$  iPHiGENiA  m  Amis. 

III  ctotb  slieb  bashful  delicBcj(  mik 
Thy  fortunes :  fttay,  tbis  ift  no  time  for  cojrutmc 

ACHIU4ES,  CLYTEMNESTRA,  IPHIGBNIA, 

CHORl/S, 

Daughter  of  I^Aa,  woei  unb^ppy  4«B9» 
Too  truly  h^TQ  you  sf)okee. 

AOmLLBSL 

'Midst  the  host 
Of  Argos,  dreadful  shoots  are  heard, 

CLYTEMNCSTTRA. 

What  shout&? 
Inform  me. 

By  thy  Daughter  caus'd. 

CLYTPMNES^RA. 

Thevmdft 

You  utter  are  of  evil  augury. 

ACiOLLBS. 

Her  as  a  victim  loudly  they  demand* 

CLYTSMNESTRA. 

Doth  no  man  contradiot  them  ? 

ACHILLfiS. 

To  some  danger 
I  also  was  expoj^'d. 

CUTTEMiraBTitA. 

Say  what;  my  friend? 

At^nuuffi^. 

Of  bdng  crmh*d  with  stones. 

CLYTEMNEfiTRA. 

While  you  protected 
My  Daughter  ? 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  ij§ 

Twas  e*en  tlraa*  > 

CLVTEMNCSTRA. 

But  who  presum'd  ' 
To  smite  you  ? 

ACHILLES. 

Every  Gn^ek. 

GLYTEMNESTRA. 

Did  not  your  tiosi 
(37)  Of  valiant  Myrmidoii<s  defend  their  Lord  ? 

ACHILLES. 
They  were  my  first  ivssailaDts* 

CLYTBMNESTRA. 

O  my  Daughter, 
We  then  must  perish. 

ACHILiLEfi. 

With  one  voice  they  cried  ; 
'*  How  is  the  Ha'o  in  the  Bridegroom  lostf" 


(37)  '^  The  comrades  and  tiie  soldiMini  of  Achilles  bore  die  name 
^  of  Myrmidons :  this  people  were  native  of  iEgina,  and  foUowed 
'^  Peleus  into  Thessaly  ;  they  are  6aid  to  have  been  transformed  from 
^  Ants,  whence  they  deiived  th^  name,  into  Men,  at  the  prayers  of 
"'JEacus,  wbdfee  islaml  of  ^gina  was  ahnost  destitute  of  inhabit 
**  tants:  others  deduce  their  name  from  Myrmidon,  tba  foli  vi  9^ 
^  piter.  See  Eustathius  on  Homer,  p.  76.  ).  38,  and  p.  S20,  L  42* 
^  ed.  Romae  154^,  ^and  Ovid.  Metam,  L.  viii.  v.  614."  Barnes. 

M'jgpo;  is  tlie  Gre^  T^ohd  fbr  an  Ant.  Ovid's  account  of  the  depo* 
filiation  of  ^gina  by  a  t>^fU«9  and  Its  being  thus  filled  with  a  new 
race,  is  very  difiiise  \  as  for  the  Hero  Myrmidon,  as  Eoytathiiis  calif 
him,  no  particulars  of  his  histoiy  have  occurred  to  me ;  ApoUodorm 
only  says  that  the  sons  of  him  and  Pisiditei  one  oi  ^^olos'ii  Dapgb- 
ters,  were  Antiphus  and  Adw  Both  my  ecfitions,  of  RomsB  1555^ 
and  that  of  the  Hist.  P«f«.  S<»l^tort^  h^  Gale,  print  the  name  of 
the  latter  Aclon^  but  I  apprehend  erranfoHsly ;  Menaecous,  the  ftfther 
nf  Patroclus,  being  called  by  Homer  tlie  son  t)f  Actor^  and  BacM 
de  Meziriac,  in  his  excellent  comment  on  Ovid's  Epistles,  having  shewn 
that  Patroclus  was  Great-Grand$ob^to  Mfyrmidou,  the  genealogy  stand- 
ing thus;  Myrmido^  Aet«r,  Met^y^us,  P^IMclii»» 


140  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS, 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

What  answer  made  you  ? 

ACHILLES. 

Spare  my  future  Wife, 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Just  was  that  plea. 

ACHILLES. 

Whom  by  ray  name  her  Sire 
Distinguished  — 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

And  from  Argos  bade  her  come* 

ACHILLES. 

But  by  their  clamorous  shouts  was  I  subdued. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

The  multitude  are  a  dire  pest. 

ACHILLES. 

In  spite 
Of  their  resentment  I  will  aid  thee  still. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

How  can  your  single  arm  resist  an  host? 

ACHILLES. 

Seest  thou  yon  armed  warriors  ? 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

May  success 
Attend  your  courage ! 

ACHILLES. 
-  .     .  We  will  yet  prevail. 

CLYTEMNESTRA.  •  * 

•    Shall  not  my  Daughter  for  a  victim  bleed  ? 

^       ACHIULES. 

To  this  at  least  I  never  will  consent.  '  * 

CLYTEMNESTRA.  i 

'  Will  any  of  them  hither  come  to  seize  :^ 

The  virgin?  • 

ACHILLES. 

Thousands,  by  Ulysses  kd. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  l-M 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

(38)  The  son  of  Sisyphus  ? 

ACHILLES. 

E'en  he. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Thus  acting 
Thro'  his  own  zeal,  or  by  the  troops  ordain'df 

ACHILLES. 

» 

They  chuse  him  to  an  office  which  he  sought. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Most  execrable  choice,  with  human  gore 
Thus  to  pollute  himself. 

ACHILLES. 

But  I  shall  curb 
His  ardour. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Will  he  seize  and  drag  her  hence 
Altho'  reluctant  i 

ACHILLES. 

By  her  auburn  hair. 
CLYTEMNESTRA. 

How  then  must  I  proceed  f 

ACHILLES, 

Still  firmly  clasp 
Thy  Daughter. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 
By  such  means  can  she  be  sav'd. 

ACHILLES. 

(39)  This,  and  this  only,  must  at  length  decide  ? 

(38)  According  to  Ajax  in  Ovid  3 

Sanguine  cretus 
Sisyphio,  furtisq;  et  fraude  similimns  illi. 

Metam.  L.  13,  v.  32. 
See  the  question  discussed  in  the  twentieth  note  on  this  Tragedy. 

(39)  ^  The  literal  translation  is^  <'  But  the  matter  tctU  come  to  this,'' 
**  Dvhich  Achilles  speaks/ either  hiying  his  hand  on  the  hilt  of  his 
^  sword,  or  casting  a  look  on  the  soldiers  that  attended  him  ready 
^  armed  for  an  engagement.**  Barnes. 


ilPHtoENIA. 

Listen  to  me ;  O  Mother,  I  perceive 
That  groundless  zeal  against  your  Husband!  fire9 
Your  inmost  souL:  but  think  not  to  attempt 
What  cannot  be  atcbiev'd.    Tbe  generous  zeal 
Of  >tbis<heroic  stranger,  claims  our  praise: 
Yet"  ought  you  to  bqwarelest  you  excite 
The  wrath  of  an  ungovernable  host, 
And  by  a  conduct  wbenoetto  us  aociues 
No  benefit,  our  kind  ^protector  cause 
To  perish.    JBut,  O  Mother,  what  resolve* 
I  on  deliberating  mor^  cahiily  fot'in 
You  now  shall  hear.    J  fully  am  resolv'd 
(40)  On  death  :  jbut  n^ish  with  glory  to  expire, 

(40)  Brumoy's  remarks  :»«9^jonKvl  •  jto  0^  Tragedy  in  his  Theatre 
des  Grecs,  and  those  of  t)ie  Bt  Rey.  Dr«.|Ior^,  Bn^hitp  of  Worcester^ 
in  his  note  on  <<  sibi  constetf*  in  Horace's  Art  of  Poetry^  fbgoish  ,4&«- 
fences  of  Iphigenia's  character  from  the  charge  0^  hnconftistency 
preferred  against  it  by  Aristelie  -  ki  lOB  Poetici^  which  it  is  so  eaiy 
for  the  reader  to  liave  .  recoucse  to,  that  i  instead  of  niaking  any  ex- 
tract from  them,  I  ^nIl  ^  .be^e  -^fi^  iiauch  the  same  argmnento 
expressed  with  more  brevity  by  a  Critic  of  the  sn^tecgitb  i^ifsry. 
**  Euripides  is  here  so  fai*  from  deserving  censure,  .that  he  ought  ra- 
"  ther  to  be  extolled  to  the-  ^ies  Ibf '  bis  prudence ;  for  if  he  had  re- 
**  presented  Ipbigenia : firm  and  intrepid,  when  the  tidings,  of  her 
<<  being  to  die  were  first  brought  to  her,  he  wa^yld '  by  rfie  n^ffljt 
^^'have  observed  decorum,  for  he  would  have  giTen  snch  an  in- 
«  stance  of  valour  in  a  maid  as  is  hardly  to  be  found  in  Regufais, 
**  Codrus,  and  ttie  Deoii.  Virgins  are  naturally  timid,  and  eonn> 
**  der  nothing  as  more  bitter  than. death.  £uripides  therefore  doet 
<<  right  in  represe'ntiqg  Iphigeaia  as  .tunid.at  -first:  :bqt  :«A|^1<9P^ 
<<  she  prefers  the  weal  of  the  Greeks  to  life  itself.  What  then? 
^  tiie  entreaties  of  her  Father,  neoeasityy  Jhie  tyre»e|i|iiJfei9B  of  ::lier 
^  friends,  and  glory,. all. CQiabined  together,  had  such  influence  over 
«  her.''  Fr.  Luisini .  Utineoflis .  Comm.  in  fior./de  Avlie,]|»et  f.  54. 
Yen.  ap.  Aldi.fil  ^54.  Mr.  Markkmd  in  his  note  takes  this  matter  in 
a  different  point  of  idew,  and  a£ker  esiipatiaj^  ^n .  the^  mi$l^^9liFH9 
of  eveiy  character  in  this  Xragedy,  ClytftmBeftta.;fdo9<B  e¥Ci^pM» 
Infers  that  the  wisest  of  Poets. is  eivUtl^Kl  to  .our.,app]fia6ofo^||ay|Bf 
exhibited,  with  a  moral  des^,  the  great  leyity  and  iciresolutcsRfiM  ^ 
the  human  mind.    Some  years  ago  I  recollect  weetiog  ,^tb^AlWlil^)^ 


1PH«SENIA  IN  AULtS  U$ 

And  baoifih  all  resentment.     I^onder  well 

Whether  1  speak  -aright :  to  me  all  Greece 

Thro'  its  assembled  states  with  eager  eyes  ^ 

Looks  up,  on  me  the  fleet's  auspicious  voyage. 

On  me  depends  Troy's  overthrow :  no  longer 

From  happy  Greece  shall  these  Barbarians  rend 

Our  noblest  matrons,  but  witb  blood  atone 

For  Helen's  rape,  the  foul  offence  of  Paris, 

I,  from  these  shameful  outrages,  by  death 

Will  rescue  Greece,  my  name  in  future  ages 

Shall  bereoown'd  for  having  sav'd  my  country* 

Nor  must  I  be  too  much  attadi'd  to  life; 

For  as  a  common  blessing  to  each  Greeks 

Not  to  yourself  «ilone,  you  gave  me  birth. 

With  lifted  shield  shall  A^yriads  rush  to  battle, 

Shfiil  Myriads-ply  the  sweeping  oar,  t*  avenge 

Their  injured  country,  act  with  dauntless  courage 

Against  the  foe,  and.  perish  in  the  cause 

Of  Gree^'e ;  while  I,  to  save  a  single  life. 

Them  in  their  glorious  enterprise  obstruct  f 

O  where  were  justice  then!  who  could  reply 

To  such  «tn  argument  i   I  now  proceed 

With  one  of  equal  force;  nor  shall  this  Chief 

Farniie  encotinter  the  whole  Argive  host,        •' 

Nor  madly  perish  in  a  woman's  cause  : 

For  one  brave  warrior's  life  is  of  more  worth 

Than  females  numberless  :    But  if  Diana* 

Hath  claim'd  me  as  a  victim  at  her  shrine. 

Shall  I,  weak  mortal,  thwart  the  will  of  Heaven  i 

That  were  impossible.     I  here  for  Greece    . 

Yield'myself  up  spontaneously:  transpierce 

Tbii' breast,  and  lay  the  towers  of  Ilion^  waste. 

#bjcgtkwi>  -retivfed  in- a  ImMl  cfilled  ^^  Etemetits  of  Critieisfn,'*  writtsn 
hf  ff&ary  Hohie,  B^.  Lord  Kdimes,  one  of  the  Lords '•f  Session  in 
fltoUtod ;  titot  the  argum^iMs  of  the  Sta'gyrite  did  not  seem,  in  their 
new  fonn,  to  carry  with  them  any  additional  strength. 


144  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

Such^  such  shall  be  my  monuments,  my  children, 
My  nuptial  trophies,  and  my  lasting  fame. 
Gr^ks  o'er  Barbarians  ever  should  bear  rule. 
For  these  are  abject  slaves,  those  free-born  spirits. 

CHORUS. 

Most  noble  is  thy  conduct,  generous  maid, 
Tho'  Fortune  and  Diana  prove  thy  foes. 

ACHILLES. 
Daughter  of  Agamemnon,  were  the  Gods 
Inclined  to  make  me  happy,  they  would  crown 
My  vows  with  such  a  Consort.     Greece  I  deem 
Happy  in  thee,  and  thee  in  Greece  :  for  well 
Hast  thou  expressed  thyself,  and  as  becomes 
Thy  country,  since  thou  hast  forborne  to  thwart 
The  mightier  will  of  Heaven,  that  bids  thee  bleed. 
Well  weighing  what  exalted  virtue  counsels, 
And  what  severe  necessity  enjoins. 
More  eagerly  than  ever,  now  I  wish 
To  gain  thee  for  my  Bride,  now  I  have  mark 'd 
The  generous  soul,  for  thou  art  truly  great. 
Yet,  O  reflect !  for  still  would  I  redeem. 
Would  bear  thee  hence  to  Phthia,  and  appeal 
To  my  immortal  Mother,  to  attest 
What  gHef  will  irend  this  heart,  should*st  thou  forbid  me 
To  save  thee  by  encountering  Greece.     O  think. 
How  terrible  is  death. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Without  respect 
To  any,  I  these  sentiments  unfold. 
Enough  (41)  already  hath  the  Dame  who  springs 


(41)  For  the  alteration  of  afx,«  excellit,  into  opxct  sufficit,  the 
is  indebted  to  Hardioo,  the  acuteness  and  ingenuity  of  whose  remarks 
on  Euripides  leave  every  admirer  of  the  Tragic  Bard  the  greatest  cause 
ta  regret  their  not  being  more  numerous.  See  Acad,  des  Inscrip.  torn.  vi. 
Hist.  p.  178.  Tim  correction  has  been  adopted  by  Reialuus,  Heath, 
51-41  kland,  and  Musgrave. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  145 

From  Tyndaius,  by  her  charms,  the  bloody  strife 
Excited.     In  my  cause  thou  shalt  not  die. 
Nor  lift  the  slaughtering  blade.     If  in  my  power, 
O  let  me  save  my  country. 

ACHILLES. 

Of  thy  sex 
Thou  most  heroic,  nought  can  I  object 
If  such  thy  stedfast  purpose,  for  thy  views 
Are  noble.    TcTwhat  end  suppress  the  truth  ? 
But  thou  may'st  yet  repent.     As  an  assurance 
That  I  am  ready  to  perform  my  promise ; 
This  troop  I  near  the  altar  will  arrange. 
Nor  stand  a  calm  spectator,  but  protect  thee 
From  being  slain :  and  haply  when  thou  seest 
The  lifted  falchion^  thou  of  my  advice 
Wilt  then  avail  thyself:  nor  shalt  thou  perish 
Thro'  thy  imprudent  zeal ;  for  I  will  lead 
These  hardy  warriors  to  Diana's  temple. 
And  in  its  precincts  wait  till  thou  arrive, 

[Exit  ACHILLES. 
IPHIGENIA. 

Why,  dearest  Mother,  are  those  eyelids  moist 
With  silent  tears  ? 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

I  have  sufficient  cause 
To  make  me  sorrowful. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Yet,  ah  desist ! 
Nor  thus  intimidate  me,  rather  yield 
To  my  request. 

CLYTExtlNESTRA. 

Say,  what  request  thou  mean'st  r 
Thee,  O  my  child,  I  never  will  offend. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Cut  not  the  flowing  ringlets  of  your  hair, 
Nor  put  on  sable  robes. 

YOL.  lit  L 


146  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

CLYTEMNESTRA.  ^     ' 

Why  speak'st  thou  thus  ? 
When  I  have  lost  thee,  ought  I  not  to  mourn  i 

IPHIGENIA. 

Me  will  you  never  lose  :  for  I  am  sav'd, 
And  bright  renown  thro'  me  shall  you  obtain. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Yet,  why  did'st  thou  assert  that  I  thy  death 
Must  not  bewail  ?  * 

IPHIGENIA. 

Because  o'er  me  no  tomb 
Shall  be  erected. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Is  not  death  esteem'd 
A  passport  merely  to  the  silent  grave  f     •    ./i  . 

IPHIGENIA. 

The  (42)  altar  of  Diana,  sprung  from  Jove, 
Will  serve  me  for  a  monument. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

To  thee 
I  yield,  for  thou,  my  Daughter,  well  hast  spoken. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Happy  myself,  and  to  my  native  land 
The  greatest  benefactress. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

What  behest 
To  thy  lamenting  Sisters  shall  I  bear  ? 

IPHIGENIA. 

Arrav  them  not  in  sable  robes. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

But  send'st  thou 
No  fond  remembrance  to  assuage  their  grief? 

IPHIGENIA. 

Health  to  the  Virgins  !  breed  Orestes  up 

(42)  <<  Iphigenia  prophetically  utters  this  aenigma,  the  meaning  of 
"  which  is,  that  she  shaU  be  borne  away  by  Diana  to  be  the  Priestett 
"  of  her  temple  ia  Tauris.*  Brvmoy. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  147. 

With  a  maternal  tenderness^ 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Embrace  biin. 
For  ye  shall  meet  no  more. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Thou,  far  as  reached 
Thy  power,  dear  Brother,  didst  assist, thy  friends. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Can  I  do  aught  at  Argos  tor  thy  sake  ? 

IPHIGENIA. 
Hate  not  my  Sire,  your  Husband. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

There  remains 
For  him,  a  dreadful  conflict  to  endure 
On  thy  account. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Most  loth  he  in  the  cause 
Of  Greece,  devoted  me. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Ungenerous  craft 
He  us'd,  and  such  as  ill  beseem'd  the  race 
Of  Atreus. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Who  will  lead  me  to  tbe  altar, 
Ere  I  am  dragg'd  by  my  dishevell'd  hair  i 

CLYTEMNESTRA, 

Together  will  we  go. 

IPHIGENIA. 

The  Gods  forbid  I 
You  speak  unwisely. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

To  thy  robes  I'll  cling. 

IPHIGENIA. 
By  me  advis'd,  stay  here ;  for  to  my  fame. 
And  yours,  your  absence  will  far  more  conduce. 
Let  one  of  these  attendants  on  my  Sire 
Conduct  me  to  Diana's  sacred  mead, 

l2 


148  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

Where  as  a  chosen  victim  I  shall  fall* 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Depart'st  thou,  O  my 'Child? 

IPHIGENIA. 

Yes,  thither  bound, 
Whence  fate  ordains  that  I  shall  ne'er  return. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Leaving  thy  Mother? 

IPHIGENIA. 

*Twas  a  doom,  you  see, 
Unmerited. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Desert  me  not;  stay,   stay. 

IPHIGENIA. 

I  will  not  suffer  you  to  shed  a  tear. 

[Exit  CLYTEMNESTRA. 

But,  O  ye  gentle  Virgins,  in  sweet  notes 
My  hapless  fate  recording,  chaunt  the  praise 
Of  Dian,  Daughter  to  imperial  Jove. 
Thro'  every  rank,  command  the  Grecian  host 
From  inauspicious  language  to  abstain. 
The  canisters  make  ready,   let  the  flames 
Be  kindled  to  consume  the  salted  cates 
Us'd  in  lustrations ;   let  my  Sire's  right  hand 
The  altar  touch  :  for  e'en  in  death  I  bring 
Health  to  my  country,  triumph  to  its  arms. 

Lead  me  to  blast  the  pride  of  Troy, 
Braid  the  victorious  wreath,  and  spread 
Its  vivid  honours  round  my  head  ;     " 
With  lustral  drops  bedew  the  ground. 
In  a  wild  dance  of  festive  joy 
Surround  yon  sacred  fane  ;  surround 
The  altar,  and  in  choral  strain 
O  celebrate  Diana's  reign  : 
Diana,  Goddess  ever  blest. 
For  I  a  victim  shall  expire. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  149 

Since  thus  the  Destinies  require. 
Fulfilling  at  my  latest  breath. 
While  struggling  with  the  pangs  of  death, 
Heaven's  dread  oracular  behest. 

CHORUS. 

For  thee  our  eyes  in  tears  we  steep. 
Majestic  Mother,  doom'd  to  grievfe  ; 
Whqn  Dian's  temple  shall  repeive 
Her  votive  train  we  must  not  weep. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Ye  blooming  virgins,  lovely  choir. 
Unite  to  hymn  Diana's  praise, 
Fbr  here,   overlooking  Chalcis,  blaze 
Her  altars ;   here  with  fruitless  ire 
Impatient  of  such  long  delay 
Remains  the  host  in  Aulisf  bav 
By  me  detain'd.     My  natal  Earth, 
Thee  I  invoke.     Pelasgia's  strand, 
And  fair  Mycene,  whence  n?y  birth 
I  date,  that  lov'd  and  happy  land. 

CHORUS. 

The  walls  thou  nam'st  did  Perseus  rear. 
Assisted  by  the  Cyclop's  art. 

IPHIGENIA. 

From  you,  from  you,  ye  realms  most  dear, 
I  rose,  to  Greece  a  cheering  light ; 
Nor  shrink  I  from  death's  hfted  dart. 

CHORUS. 

Thy  fame  shall  flourish  ever  bright. 

IPHIGENU. 

No  more,   thou  blazing  lamp  of  day. 
No  more,  O  Jove's  exhaustless  fire. 
Shall  I  behold  thy  genial  ray, 
But  in  far  dther  mansions  dwell. 
Once  more,  ere  fleeting  life  expire. 
Farewell,  Hyperion's  beams,  farewell. 

[Exit  IPHIGENIA* 


/ 

> 


150  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

CHORUS. 

See  the  triumphant  Virgin  go. 
With  matchless  prowess  to  destroy 
The  fated  battlements  of  Troy ; 
For  her  the  lustral  stream  shall  flow. 
The  braided  wreath  her  front  entwine ; 
And  soon  with  drops  of  crimson  gore. 
That  issue  from  her  wounded  breast. 
Shall  she  hesprinkle  Dian's  shrine. 
Thy  Father,  in  his  trembling  hands. 
Sustains, the  laver,  and  yon  hands 
Eager  to  reach  the  hostile  shore 
Of  Ilion,  and  its  walls  invest, 
Expect  their  Princess  in  the  fane, 
"jm^  immortal  Maid,  who  springs  from  Jove, 
Fair  Artemis,  enthroned  above, 
Let  us  invoke  in  choral  strain. 
The  Grecian  armament  to  speed. 
Thou,  who  in  human  victims  slain 
Delight'st,   thrice  aweful  Queen,   the  host 
Dismiss,  to  ravage  Phrygians  coast, 
And  lay  Troy's  perjur'd  city  low. 
May  Agamemnon's  ^ms  bestow 
On  Gree.ce  the  victor's  envied  crown. 
And  to  the  happy  Monarch  gain. 
His  (13)  brows  encircling  with  renown. 
Trophies  for  ever  to  remain  h 

ATTENDANT  (44),  CHORUS. 

ATTENDANT. 

Daughter  of  Tyndarus,  from  these  doors  with  speed 

(43)  Barnes  defends  the  Aldus  reading  of  rtov,  fUtiYn,  with  great 
appearance  of  reason  against  Scaligei*,  but  both  Mr.  Mtfkland  and 
Dr.  Musgrave  inform  us,  that  the  manuscripts  concur  19  «v,  suum, 
^ci^ovdm^  40  the  conjectural  alteration  of  tliat  able  critic. 

{44)  The  circumstances  of  Clytemnestra's  coming  forth  from  her 
apartment  immediately  oH  hearii^  the  voice  of  this  person  who  seems 
pf  have  been  well  known  to  her,  apd  his  familiaiity  in  calling  her  f*x»i 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  151 

Come  forth,  O  Clytemnestra,  and  attend 
To  the  important  message  which  I  bring. 

CLYTEMNESTRA,  ATTENDANT,  CHORUS, 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Hearing  your  voice,  yet  trembling  with  dismay, 
Hither  I  haste,  Wretch  that  I  am,  and  dread 
That  you,  ray  present  sorrows  to  increase. 
Are  with  qiore  tidings  sent  of  recent  woe. 

ATTENDANT. 

Strange  and  most  terrible  accounts  indeed 
Are  those  which  of  your  Daughter  1  would  give. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Delay  not  therefore,  but  this  instant  speak. 

ATTENDANT. 

^ly  lov'd  and  honour'd  Mistress,  you  shall  hear 
A  most  explicit  tale  :  the  whole  event  • 

From  the  beginning  will  I  now  recount, 
If  the  confusion  of  my  soul  aflfect  not 
My  tongue,  ere  the  strange  history  I  conclude. 
Soon  as  we  reached  the  grove  and  flow'ry  mead 
Of  Dian,  where  your  Daughter  was  conducted 
By  a  detachment  of  the  Grecian  troops, 
The  host  collected  instantly  around : 
But  Agamemnon,  soon  as  he  beheld 
The  Virgin  at  the  sacred  grove  arrive 
Where  she  was  doom'd  to  bleed,  groanM  deeply,  turn'd 
His  head  aside,  then  wept  and  veil'd  his  eyes 
Beneath  his  robe  :  close  to  her  Sire  she  stood 
And  said ;  /^  My  Father,  I  with  joy  attend 

ieffmaa,  "  dear  Mistress,"  induce  me  to  consider  him  as  the  Aged 
Attendant,  who  on  the  marriage  of  Clytemnestra  accompanied  her 
from  Sparta,  and  has  repeatedly  made  his  appearance  in  the  course 
of  the  Tragedy ;  the  printed  editions  call  hun  AyyiXof,  "  Messenger  f 
but  Mr.  Markland  thinks  him  not  the  same  with  the  Messenger  who 
comes  in  v.  414,  and  proposes  adding  him  to  the  Dramatis  Persomi 
as  a  second  Messenger. 


^5^  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

''Thy  summons,  freely  for  my  native  land, 

"  And  for  all  Greece  devote  myself  to  bleed; 

*'  Conduct  me  ta  the  altar  of  the  Goddess; 

'*  Because  Heaven's  aweful  voice  hath  thus  required, 

"  Thro'  me  may  ye  be  blest,  thro'  me  obtain 

''  The  glorious  palm  of  conquest,  and  return 

*'  To  your  exulting  country.     Touch  me  not, 

"  For  I  will  bare  my  neck,  resolv'd  to  fall  ^    . 

"  In  silence,  and  wiih  courage."     Here  she  ceas*d: 

The  wondering  crowd  who  heard  her,  prais'd  the  spirit 

And  valour  of  the  Maid.     Talthybius  stood 

Amid  the  host,  and  mindful  of  his  office. 

Bade  the  whole  camp,  from  each  ill-omen'd  word 

Abstaining,  with  a  silent  awe  attend. 

(45)  Upon  a  golden  canister,  then  plac'd 

(45)  In  expressing  this  word  Kavwv  calathum  by  that  of  Cwmter  in 
English,  I  have  followed  the  example  of  Dryden,  who  renders  Virgil*s 
tibi  Ulia  plenis  ecce  ferunt  nymphse  calathis, 

"  White  lilies  in  fall  Canisters  they  bring.?* 

AVhat  more  encourages  me  to  do  this,  and  indeed  ^rst  suggested  it  to 
me,  is  the  article  Canister  in  Dr.  Johnson's  Dictionary,  where  this 
line  is  produced  as  an  instance  of  the  word's  primary  signification* 
The  reading  of  KoKon  i(7vJ9ef  is  supported  by  the  editions  of  Aldns, 
Basil  1537,  Barnes,  Mr.  Markland,  ^d,  accordmg  to  Dr.  Musgrave, 
a  concurrence  of  antient  manuscripts ;  the  cluinge  of  nnJ^a  into  i^<y 
occurs  in  the  second  Basil  edition  of  1544,  and  has  been  copied  by 
Canterus  and  others;  it  seems  to  have  originated  from  the  Latin 
version  under  the  name  of  Dorotheus  Camillus,  Basil  1541,  where  it 
stands  e  vaginis;  c|u^iv  is  revived  by  Pierson  and  R^kios;  tiie 
former  in  his  customary  strain  calls  Baraes's  defence  of  mJ^tt  in^pta, 
and  expresses  his  restoring  what  is  the  genuine  text,  by  the  words 
arripuit  et  intiiisit.  Lambinus's  explanation  of  Lucretins's  fermm 
celare  ministro^,  L.  i.  v.  91,  cited  by  Dr.  Musgrave,  is,  vaginal  tectum 
conditumque  habere.  Dr.  Musgrave,  however,  proposes  reading  oTuiv 
uu£tv  intra  mohun  salsam,  and  abundantly  proves  from  Homer  and 
Aristophanes  that  salted  cakes  were  bore  on  tlie  canisters  or  baskets 
here  spoken  of:  but  the  idea  of  hiding  the  sword  destined  to  pierce 
tlie  bosom  of  the  Princess,  by  thiusting  it  into  a  cake,  would  very 
ill  suit  the  dignity  of  the  scene  before  us,  and  give  it  a  ludicrous 
^r,  more  resembling  Dangerfield's  meal  tub  plot,  than  the  sacrifice 
of  Iphigenia, 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS.  153 

Calchas  the  Seer,  the  sword,  which  he  first  drew. 

Then  plung'd  again  into  its  sheath,  and  crown'd 

With  braided  flowers  the  lovely  victim's  head. 

But  round  the  ahar  of  the  Goddess  ran 

The  Son  of  Peleus,  in  his  hands  he  bore 

A  canister,  and  vase  with  lustral  streams. 

Exclaiming,  ^*  O  thou  Goddess  of  the  chase, 

**  Daughter  of  Jove,  Diana,  who  pervad*st 

*'  With  thy  resplendent  orb  the  midnight  gloom, 

'*  Accept  this  sacrifice  :  the  Grecian  host, 

''  And  Agamemnon  our  illustrious  King, 

'*  To  thee  devote  thy  spotless  Virgin's  blood  :  - 

"  Grant  an  auspicious  voyage  to  the  fleet, 

"  And  that  our  arms  may  level  Ilion's  towers." 

But,  fixing  on  the  ground  their  stedfast  eyes, 

Both  Atreus'  sons,  and  every  wairior  stood. 

The  Priest  now  seiz'd  the  falchion,  to  the  Gods 

His  prayers  address'd,  and  marked  the  virgin's  neck 

Where  best  to  strike.     I  felt  no  common  pang, 

And  stood  with  eyes  fast  rivetted  to  earth. 

When,  lo,  a  miracle!    all  heard  the  stroke; 

But  how  the  Virgin  vanish'd,  whither  went. 

Could  no  man  comprehend.     Loudly  the  Priest 

And  the  whole  host  cried  out,  when  they  beheld. 

Sent  b}'  some  God,  a  phantom  strange  and  wondrous: 

Scarce  could  they  credit  what  their  eyes  survey 'd. 

A  gasping  Hind  lay  stretch'd  upon  the  ground, 

OF  the  most  beauteous  and  majestic  form ; 

The  altar  of  Diana  with  her  gore 

Wiis  sprinkled  plenteously.     O  think  what  joy 

Calchas  then  felt;  "  Ye  valiant  chiefs,"  he  cried, 

'^  Of  the  confederate  Grecian  host,  observe  ye 

*'  This  victim,  which  the  Goddess  to  her  altar 

"  Hath  brought^  a  Hind  on  the  steep  mountains  bred? 

"  This,  lest  illustrious  blood  pollute  her  shrine, 

"  She  to  the  Maid  prefers,  accepts  our  homage 

'*  Will  grant  a  prosperous  voyage,  and  our  fleet 


154  IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 

"  Waft  to  the  shores  of  Ilion  :  let  fresh  courage 

"  Each  sailor  warm,  repair  ye  to  your  barks  i 

'*  This  day  the  straits  of  Aulis  shall  we  leave, 

^'  Born  on  our  passage  cross  the  ^gean  deep/' 

Soon  as  the  flame  Vulcanian  had  consumed 

The  substituted  victim,  that  the  troops 

Victorious  to  their  country  might  return  (46) 

The  Seer  devoutly  pray'd.     But  I  am  sent 

By  Agamemnon  hither  to  relate 

These  tidings,  and  inform  you  how  the  Gods 

Decree,  that  thro'  all  Greece  he  shall  obtain 

Immortal  glory.     I  who  was  both  there, 

And  saw  the  whole  transaction,  can  aftirm 

Your  Daughter  evidently  flew  to  Heaven. 

Let  grief  be  done  away  then,  nor  resent 

The  conduct  of  your  Husband  :  for  by  ways 

To  man  most  dark  and  intricate,  the  Gods 

Conduct  our  steps,  preserving  those  they  love. 

This  one  short  day  hath  seen  your  Daughter  doom'd 

To  death,  and  now  alive.  [Exit  attendant. 

CHORUS. 

What  joy  to  hear 
Th'  intelligence  this  Messenger  conveys ! 
He  tells  us  that  thy  Daughter  still  survives. 
Borne  to  celestial  mansions. 


(46)  By  rendering  voth,  trajectmn,  instead  of  reditum  (with  tbe 
other  versions,  and  conformably  to  the  more  obviojus  meaning  of 
the  word),  Mr.  Markland,  I  apprehend  greatly  weakens  this  passage. 
Calchas  has  just  been  foretelUng  a  prosperous  voyage,  and  therefore 
to  describe  him  immediately  after  as  merely  praying  for  that^  would 
be  an  insipid  tautology.  But  his  prophetic  skill  ceased  with  foretel- 
ling the  conquest  of  Troy  ;  and  the  prayer  vihich  ensues,  like  that  of 
Homer's  Achilles,  in  behalf  of  his  friend  Patroclus,  and  Aruns's  pa- 
triam  remeabo  inglorius  urbem  in  Virgil,  must  necessarily  turn  the 
thoughts  of  the  reader  to  the  avog-w  ruy^m  of  the  Grecian  forces  pre- 
dicted by  Cassandra  in  Lycophron,  and  leave  a  verj'  strong  impression 
of  melancholy  on  his  mind,  from  tlic  knowledge  he  has  tliat  the  vows 
here  offering  up  proved  in  a  great  measure  ineffectual* 


« 


IPHIGENIA  IN  AULIS. 


155 


CLYTEMNESTRA. 

O  my  Child, 
What  God  hath  stoFn  thee  hence  ?  or  in  what  terms 
Shall  I  invoke  thee,  what  conjectures  form  ? 
But  is  not  this  a  specious  tale,  devis'd 
Merely  that  I  no  longer  may  lament 
Thy  fate  ? 

CHORUS, 

Lo  Agamemnon,  mighty  King, 
Himself  arrives,  these  tidings  to  confirm. 

X 

AGAMEMNON,  CLYTEMNESTRA,  CHORUS, 

AGAMEMNON. 

We  in  our  Daughter,  O  my  Wife,  are  blest : 
For  she  indeed  holds  converse  with  the  Gods. 
But  take  this  tender  infant  (47),  and  return    ^ 
To  Argos,  for  the  troops  prepare  to  sail. 
And  now  farewell.     No  more  for  a  long  season 
Shall  I  accost  thee,  not  till  I  return 
From  llion.     Thee  may  every  bliss  attend  I 

CHORUS* 

Exulting  may'st  thou  reach  the  Phrygian  shores, 
O  son  of  Atreus,  and  return  triumphant 
Fraught  with  the  choicest  spoils  of  vanquish 'd  Troy, 

(47)  Orestes. 


V  /■ 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS 


Castum  datura  craorem^ 

Flentibas  ante  aras  stetit  Iphigenia  miiiistris: 

Victa  Dea  est,  nubemqne  oculis  objecity  et  inter 

Officiom  torbamqne  sacri  vocesque  precantuni| 

^Inppositft  fertur  mut&sse  M ycenida  Cei^&« 

Ovid, 

NOIYNI  DiONYSXACA* 


PERSONS  OF  THE  DRAMA. 


IpmOENIA. 

ORESTES. 

PYLADES, 

CHORUS  OF  GRECIAN  CAPTIVES^  Iphigenia's  Attskdarts. 

HERDSMAN. 

THOAS. 

Messenger. 

MINERVA. 


BCENEf'-ON  THE  sea  SHORE,    NEAR  DIANA'S  TEMFIJS 

IN  TAURIC  SCYTHIA. 


( . 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

IPHIGENIA. 

1  o  Pisa's  goal  by  rapid  coursers  borne 

FJew  Pelops  son  of  Tantalus,  and  gain'd 

Oenomaus'  lovely  Daughter  (I)  for  his  Bride; 

From  her  sprung  Atreus,   Menelaus*  Sire, 

And  Agamemnon's.     Iphigenia  nam'd^ 

I,  to  great  Agamemnon,  and  the  Daughter 

Of  Tyndarus,  Clytemnestra,  owe  my  birth, 

I  whorn^  beside  those  restless  waves,  which^  -vex'd 

By  storms  incessant,  to  the  azure  main 

EuripuB  rolls,  my  Father,  as  he  deems. 

Hath  for  the  sAe  of  Helen  offei-'d  up 

A  victim  to  Diana,  at  the  ba}'^ 

Of  Aulis,  where  in  one  confederate  fleet 

He  their  elected  King  a  thousand  ships 

Assembled,  that  the  Greeks  around  their- brows' 

Might  twine  the  laurels  borne  from  vanquisli*d  Troy  ; 

Prompt  to  revenge  the  violated  bed 

Of  Helen,  and  display  the  love  he  bears 

To  Menelaus.     But  the  breezes  sunk. 

Nor  could  his  navy  sail  till  he  consulted 

The  sacred  flames,  and  Caleb  as  in  these  terms 

Address'd  him;  "  Leader  of  the  Grecian  host, 

^'  O  Agamemnon,  from  this  port  thy  bark^ 

*'  Thou  «halt  not  launch  till  Dian  first  receive 

*'  Thy  virgin  Daughter  Iphigenia's  blood. 

''  To  sacrifice  the  loveliest  object  born 

"  That  year,  to  her  whose  silver  orb  illumes 

**  The  shades  of  night,  thou  formerly  didst  vow. 

*^  Thy  Consort  Clytemnestra  at  the  time 

^t)  Hippodamia. 


AT 


160  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

*^  A  Daughter  bore,  (on  me  the  Seer  bestow'd 
"  The  name  of  loveliest)  her  must  thou  present 
'^  A  chosen  victim."    Thro'  Ulysses'  wiJes, 
Me  from  my  Mother  next  did  they  remove. 
On  a  pretence  that  I  should  wed  Achilles. 
When  I  arriv'd  at  Aulis,  being  plac'd 
Conspicuous  on  the  altar,  with  a  sword 
In  semblance  was  I  pierc'd.     But  me  by  stealth 
The  Goddess  thence  conveyed,  and  in  my- stead 
Before  the  gazing  armies  left  a  Hind  ; 
While  me  thro'  ether's  radiant  heights  she  bore. 
And  on  these  Tauric  shores  ordain'd  to  dwell 
In  realms  where  a  Barbarian  Monarch  rules 
O'er  slaves  Barbarian,  Thoas  call'd,  who  moves 
Swift  as  a  bird,  and  from  his  rapid  march 
Derives  the  name  he  bears.     But  me  a  Priestess 
Heaven  in  this  fane  hath  station'd,  .where  Diana, 
Its  tutelary  Goddess,  at  her  feasts 
Delights  in  customs  falsely  call'd  religious ; 
For  every  Greek  who  lands  upon  this  coast 
I  sacrifice  ;  such  is  the  antient  usage 
Establish'd  here.     The  initiatory  rites 
By  me  once  solemniz'd,   the  hateful  task 
To  stab  the  victim  al  her  inmost  shrine 
Belongs  to  others.     Reverential  awe  (2) 
For  her  I  serve  bids  me  reveal  no  more  ; 
Yet  I  the  recent  visions  which  last  night 
Produc'd,  will  to  the  conscious  air  proclaim. 
If  this  may  haply  some  relief  afford. 
My  dream  was  this  ;  methought  I  left  these  shores. 
And  dwelt  again  at  Argos,  where  I  slept 
With  all  my  faithful  virgin  followers  roimd; 
Earth's  surface  in  an  instant  seem'd  to  shake, 

(2)  In  placing  the  line,  c«  ^'ax^a  wyw,  tw  Qtoy  (ftA/^xm,  after  tbt  four 
vrhich  usually  follow  it,  I  have  observed  the  directions  of  Mr.  Mark- 
land  93xd  Dr»  Musgrave^  who  have  thereby  improved  the  context. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  l6l 

Swift  was  my  flight;  then  pausing  as  I  stood 
Without  the  gates,  I  view'd  the  shatter'd  roofs 
Of  princely  domes  ;    anon  the  structure  fell. 
From  its  supporters  torn:  one  Cohmin  seem'd 
To  stand  conspicuous  'midst  the  general  wreck, 
'Twas  all  that  of  my  Father's  house  remain'd ; 
And  from  it's  capital  a  streiuning  length 
Of  auburn  hair  devolv'd :   with  human  voice 
Was  it  endued.     Attentive  to  that  office 
Of  slaying  strangers,  which  I  here  am  doom'd 
To  exercise,  with  lustral  drops  I  lav'd 
This  Pillax  as  the  victim,  and  shed  tears. 
Abundant.     I  my  vision  thus  expound; 
The  hapless  object  of  tliese  fancied  rites, 
(3)  Orestes,  is  no  more ;    Sons  are  the  Props 
Of  their  paternal  mansion,  and  they  die 
O'er  whonir  my  la  vers  shed  their  holy  dew. 
To  none  of  all  my  friends  can  I  apply 
This  dream,  for  at  the  time  when  'tis  suppos'd 
1  died,  no  son  to  Strophius  yet  was  born. 
Now  therefore  to  my  absent  Brother's  shade 
Due  honours  will  I  pay  :  for  I  such  rites 
Can  .solemnize,  amidst  those  Grecian  dames 

(3)  The  imagery  of  the  Pillar,  on  which  this  dream  is  founded,  and 
the  exposition  of  it,  is  entirely  confonuable  to  tlie  doctrine  of  Artemi- 

doniS,  L.  2.  C.  10.  Kiovc;  if  MoSet^  nrvfi  xaM|U.ooi,  xo/  |u>) '^latpdet^juuvM,  rti 
nam  (nffxaiyHm  n  i^7o;,  eni  <ro  /ScXW  %eu  Kufjim^lf^  fxtla^mtu'  ot  it  trvA^Joa* 
fxfMu,  uui/K  o^f9^  onjuuwyvn,  except  tliat  tiie  instance  produced  by  the  Tra- 
gic Poet,  is  that  of  an  eartiiquake  instead  of  fire  Hector  is  in  like 
manner  abruptly  called  by  Pindar  in  his  second  Olympic  Ode,  the  Co- 
lomn  which  supported  Troy ;  and  in  Lycophron,  his  sister  Cassandra, 
predicting  the  death  of  tliat  Hero,  expostulates  with  the  Fates  in  the 
following  pathcic  terms^  the  close  resemblauce  of  which  to  this  passage 
of  Eoripides  has  not  passed  unnoticed  by  Ids  commentator  Meursius, 

EfWfjM  Tlwrftt;  ivgi>x**^  vTt<ivnaattQ\  v.  1^81.  and  in  V.  1190  she  caOi 
her  Brother  Hector  fji.iKa9{iu»  «ojua  xt*  n<5prpof  o^, 

Tlie  mighty  Pillar  thou  awllile  doiit  stand, 
Both  ol'  this  house  and. all  thy  native  bund. 

VOL.  II.  M 


162  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

Whom  for  my  menial  train  the  Monarch  gave* 

But  they  attend  not,  thro'  some  cause  unknown, 

On  me,  beneath  these  roofs  where  is  assigned 

My  residence,  Diana's  holy  fane,  p  .4  ^  \j-^^   t  [ExiU 

ORESTES,  PYLADES. 

ORESTES^ 

Beware  lest  any  human  foot  approach. 

PYLADES. 

With  watchful  eyes  I  all  around  me  look- 

ORESTES. 

To  thee,  O  Pylades,  doth  this  appear 
To  be  the  temple  of  that  aweful  Goddess, 
In  quest  of  which,,  from  Argos,  o'er  the  waves 
We  steer'd  our  baik  ? 

PYLADES. 

This,  if  I  judge  aright. 
Must  be  the  spot;.  Orestes,  sure  thou  form'st 
The  very  same  idea, 

ORESTES. 

And  that  altar 
Yet  dripping  with  the  blood  of  slaughtered  Greeks? 

PYLADES. 

Its  cornice,  see  what  crimson  streams  distain ! 

ORESTES. 

Vie\i\r'st  thou  beneath  its  pinnacles  those  spoils? 

PYLADES. 

Trophies  from  many  a  murder'd  stranger  torn. 

ORESTES. 

We  with  redoubled  vigilance  our  eyes 
On  every  side  must  turn.     Why  didst  thou  utter 
Such  oracles,  O  Phoebus,  as  involve  me 
In  fresh  perplexities?  Since  I  aveng'd 
A  Father's  death,  and  shed  maternal  gore, 
Still  harras'd  with  fresh  rancour  by  the  Furies, 
Who  from  my  native  Argos  drove  me  fortb^ 
Full  many  ^  intricate  career  I  ran. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  i6s 

At  length  I  went,  and  questioned  thee,  how  best 
To  calm  the  frantic  tempest  of  my  soul, 
How  end  those  toils  which,  wandering  thro'  each  realm 
Of 'Greece,  a  wretched  exile,  I  endur'd* 
To  distant  Tauris  then  thou  bad'st  me  go. 
Where  to  thy  Sister  chaste  Diana  stands 
A  consecrated  altar,  and  thence  bear 
That  statue  of  the  Goddess,  from  the  skies 
•  Which  fell,  as  the  inhabitants  record. 
Into  this  temple ;   that  when  I  by  craft 
Or  fortune  had  obtain'd  the  prize,  and  conquer'd 
All  dangers,  I  my  capture  should  bestow 
On  the  Athenian  realm ;   this  sole  behest 
Didst  thou  impose,  nor  aught  beside  enjoin : 
And  when  such  arduous  task  I  had  performed. 
Thy  promise  gav'st  that  all  my  toils  should  cease. 
Obedient  to  thy  mandate,  am  I  come 
To  an  unknown  inhospitable  land. 
Thee  I  consult,  O  Pylades,  for  thou 
With  me  in  the  bold  enterprize  art  leagu'd ; 
How  shall  we  act?  thou  seest  what  lofty  towers 
Compass  the  fane  around :  its  steep  ascent 
Shall  we. explore?  but  how  conceal  ourselves f  (4) 
Qan  we  by  levers  force  the  brazen  locks 
Whose  strength  we  know  not  ?   if  in  such  attempt. 
By  stratagem  or  violence  to  gain 
An  entrance  at  the  door,  we  should  be  caught. 
Our  certain  doom  is  death  :  but  ere  we  bleed 
Let  us  by  timely  flight  regain  the  ship 
In  which  we  hither  sail'd. 

PYLADES. 

Flight,  O  my  Friend, 
Were  a  disgrace  to  which  we  must  not  yield, 

(4)  The  alteration .  which  I  have  adopted  of  fjuSoifjiSf  sciamus,  Into 
ViOMjiMy  lateamus,  was  tirst  proposed  by  Abb6  Sallier^  Acad.  Imcript* 
T.  5.  Hist.  p.  110.  and  has  been  successiyely  made  use  of  by  Reiskiiu, 
Meath,  Markland,  and  Musgrave. 

M  2 


164  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

Nor  such  hath  been  our  practice.     We  with  scorn 

The  oracles  of  Phoebus  must  not  treat. 

But  let  us  leave  the  temple,   and  concealM 

In  these  recesses  lurk,  which  oft  are  washed 

By  ocean's  rising  surges,  from  our  ship 

Far  distant,  else  might  some  officious  spy 

An  anchored  bark  beholding,    to  the  King 

Haste  with  intelligence  :  we  then  by  forcp 

Should  both  be  seiz'd :  but  when  that  orb  appears 

Which  guides  our  footsteps  thro'  the  gloom  of  night. 

Then  let  us  greatly  dare,   with  subtle  art 

Uniting  strength,  the  statue  to  remove. 

Observe  those  triglyphs,  if  a  chasm  appear  (5) 

Sufficient  to  admit  us:    for  midst  toils 

New  courage  fires  the  brave,   but  cowards  shrink 

Into  mere  nothing. 

ORESTES, 
y —  We  in  vain  performed 

^A  tedious  voyage,  should  we  measure  back 
The  deep,  and  lea^these  shores,  whilejttur  design 
Is  unaccompUshjd^lTp  obey  the  voice '^^Q^^ 
Of  Heaven,  thou  well  hast  counsell'd.     Let  us  go 
Where  in  some  cavern  we  may  lie  concealM: 
For  if  the  oracle  he  gave  should  fail 
Of  its  effect,  it  will  not  be  the  God 
That  is  to  blame.     Now  ought  we  to  exert 
,    Our  utmost  courage:   for  severest  toils,  /\ 

^        ^      To  loitering  youth  qo  just  excuse  afford^    *     [Eteuni^^^ 


^    (lX.--M^.       IPHIGENIA.   ^-fttY- 

Barbaric  natives  of  the  shore 

Whose  craggy  rocks  hang  shelving  o'er 

The  bosom  of  the  Euxine^eep, 

(5)  In  Vitnivius's  account  of  the  Doric  order  of  Coluiiiiw,  to  the 
fiieae  of  whidi  the  Triglyphs  belongs,  his  directioiis  are  to  leave  between 
them  an  interval  whose  \>idth  is  equal  to  their  height:  inter  triglypfaos 
relinqneuduin  intervallum  tam  latum  quam  sunt  ipsi  alti.  Ed.  4e  Laet^ 
tt>L  L.  3.  p.  146,  Amst^  1649. 


IPHfGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  165 

From  each  ill-omen'd  word  abstain^ 
Nor  our  solemnities  profane. 
O  thou  who  tread'st  the  mountain  steep, 
Diana,  Goddess  chaste,  thy  hall. 
Thy  fane,  above  whose  topmost  wall 
Rear*d  on  high  columns  we  behold 
The  pinnacle  of  burnish'd  gold  ; 
Subject  to  the, behests  of  thee, 
Thrice  awefnl  Queen,  who  bear'st  the  key,  (6*) 
With  Virgin  footsteps  1  ascend, 
From  massive  bulwarks  which  defend 
Illustrious  cities,  Grcci^m  towers, 
.    Fair  Europe's  lov'd  and  8hcidov\*y  bowers 
Where  Ceres  crown s.t he  smilins:  earth. 
Auspicious  realms  which  gave  me  birth/ 
Torn  by  inexorable  Fate. 

CHORUS,  IPHlGEiNIA. 

CHORUS. 

I  come:  what  new  solicitudes  are  these 
Which  wound  your  breast,  or  wherefore  to  this 'fane 
Me  have  you  summon'd,  Q  unhappy  Daughter 
Of  him  who  bore  to  Troy's  devoted  walls 
In  that  fiim'd  navv  of  a  thousand  barks 
Unnumbei'd  Heroes^  the  confederate  troops 
Of  Atreus'  sons? 

IPHIGEWIA.  ^    Q 

My  friends,  I  am  engag'd   f 

(6  Wesselingius,  by  shewing  that  Diana  is  elsewhere  called  xx»j5irxv,  at 
the  same  time  sufficiently  justifies  tlie  ascribing  this  speech  \o  Iphigenia, 
and  obviates  tiie  supposed  necessity  of  an  alteration  in  tlie  text  if  put 
into  the  mouth  of  her  instead  of  the  Chonis:  the  attacks  made  on  the 
Aldus'  reading  of  Ev^a;  three  lines  lowef  are  equally  unsuccessful. 
>.i7:vg  Ao-iuv  Evantag  ^sccvnofvav,  Europe  tliere  meauuig  Greece,  occuis  in 
tlie  Hecuba  of  our  Autiior.  Dr.  Musgrave's  argument  in  regard  to  tlie 
Chorus  calling  themselves  in  thch'  second  speech  natives  of  Asia,  whence 
he  mfers  them  to  have  been  lonians,  on'y  recoils  against  himself,  as  this 
is  a  convincing  reason  against  asciibing  the  present  speech  to  them  in- 
stead of  Iphigenia ;  but  not  for  altering  the  text. 


}66  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

In  plaints  unpleasing,  no  harmonious  sounds 

But  elegiac  not^s,  for  the  sweet  lyre 

111  tun'd,  can  I  now  utter;    for,  alas! 

Domestic  griefs  have  harrow'd  up  my  soul ; 

My  dearest  Brother's  death  I  now  bewail. 

What  horrors  in  my  boding  dreams  appeared 

Just  as  the  pitchy  darkness  of  last  night 

Gave  place  to  morn's  first  dawn!     All,   all  is  lost ! 

My  lov'd  paternal  mansions  are  no  more. 

The  race  of  Agamemnon  is  extinct. 

What  toils  have  Argos'  scepter'd  Kings  endur'd  ! 

Me  of  an  only  Brother,   ruthless  Fate, 

'Hast  thou  despoil'd,   and  plung'd  him  in  the  shades 

Of  Orcus;    for  his  manes  I  prepare 

These  obsequies,   thjs  goblet  of  the  dead. 

Whose  mingled  liquors  I  devoutly  pour 

Upon  the  lap  of  earth;  the  heifer's  milk, 

With  purple  Bacchus'  gift  the  grape's  rich  juice. 

And  yellow  stores  of  the  industrious  bee. 

The  due  propitiatory  offerings..    Give, 

Give  to  my  trembling  hands  the  golden  cup 

With  this  libation  for  tli'  infernal  God. 

O  son  of  Agamemnon,  thou  who  sleep'st 

Beneath  earth's  hollow  surface,  I,  to  thee. 

As  now  no  more,  these  solemn  honours  pay: 

Accept  my  duteous  zeal ;  for  at  thy  tomb 

My  hair  I  cannot  strew,   nor  shed  the  tear,     ' 

For  on  these  coasts  I  sojourn,  far  remov'd 

From  our  dear  natal  region,  where  'tis  deem'd 

(7)  That  I,  transform'd  into  an  Hind,  was  slain« 

(7)  On  consulting  the  account  of  Iphigenia's  sacrifice  in  the  preced- 
ing Tragedy,  the  reader  vfUl  find  that  immediately  after  Calchas  had 
aimed  the  wound  at  her  breast,  the  whole  Grecian  army  turned  their  eyes, 
and  saw  a  Hind  lie  bleeding  on  the  ground :  tlie  spectators,  must  either 
have  conchided  that  Iphigenia  was  snatched  away  by  some  Gdd,  and  the 
Hind  substituted  as  a  victim,  according  to  the  assertions  of  the  Attend- 
ant, and  Agamemnon,  or  that  she  was  metamorphosed  into  this  animal 
and  slain  under  the  semblance  of  a  Hind,  which  must  have  been  the  idea 
of  her  Brother  and  those  who,  in  the  passage  referred  to  by  Dr.  Mug- 


JPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  i«7 

CHORUS. 

To  you,  my  Foyal  Mistress,  will  I  chant 
Hesponsive  notes,  and  Asiatic  hymns 
With  their  barbarian  dissonance,  awake 
The  plaintive  Muse,  tune  the  funereal  dirge. 
Such  ds  in  Pluto's  favourite  songs  resounds. 
Where  no  glad  Paean  ever  meets  ^h^w*.^^^^^ 

IPHIGENIA,       Vji^^^^^*^ 

Fam'd  house  of  Alrcus!  ah,  my  native  wUlsl 
Thou  radiant  sceptre  to  the  dust  consign'd! 
Who  now  of  all  that  race  of  happy  Kings 
Is  left  to  govern  Argos?     Toil  from  toil  i/3>^ 

Arises  as  Hyperion's  rapid  steeds      ^^jf  M^-'^^^^'^Sp^^ 
Each  day  perform  their  «wift  careerlithe  God  ' 
Whose  sacred  eye  illumes  the  globe,  his  beams 
Averted,  totour  woes  another  source 
Of  woe  was  added,  when  that  Golden  Ram 
Caus'd  murders  and  affliqthons  to  abound. 
Soon  as  those  infants  (byTfiTy  Grandsire's  hand^) 
Sprung  from  the  seed  of  Tantalus,  were  slain; 
With  penal  terrors  arm'd,  from  innaost  hell, 
'^instuour  devoted  house,  the  Fiends  arose. 
rTHerevn  genius,  in  a  luckless  hour 
^  Unbound  my  Mother's  zone;  flTe  very  night 
Of  my  conception,  those  stern  Goddesses 
Who  at  the  loom  of  Destiny  attend, 
Prepair'd  afflictions  for  the  child  unborn. 
3y  Grecian  chiefs  in  wedlock  was  I  sought, 
But  other  fortunes  on  the  first-born  hope 
Of  Leda's  daughter  waited ;  she  brought  forth 
And  nurtured  me,  a  victim  for  my  Sire 
To  slay,  unblest  oblation :  they  convey'd 
In  a  swift  chariot  to  the  sandy  coast 

grave,  apprehended  her  to  have  perished  at  AoUs;  the  alteration  he  has 
proposed  in  the  reading  of  W  ofxof  "  et  mea,"  in  the  stead  of  jwf*af  "  hin- 
tinla,''  seems  therefore  to  be  a  needless  alteration,  and  vrbat  can  only  tend 
to  weaken  this  paesage* 


168  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAUBIS, 

Of  Anlis,  me,  who  falsely  had  been  styl'd 
fThe  Bride  of  Thetis'  son,  a  wretched  Bride. 
But  now  in  these  inhospitable  realms 
Of  Pontus,  I  a  stranger  dvNell,  beneath 
Roofs  which  joy  never  visited,   forlorn,, 
Unwedded,   childless,  banisli'd  from  my  coantryi 
Bereft  of  every  friend,   nor  can  I  join 
My  voice  in  choral  hymns  to  Juno's  praise, 
Nor  on  the  tapestry  with  my  shuttle  weave 
Athenian  Pallas'  image,    and  the  brood 
Of  vanquished  Titans:  for  I  here  am  doom'd. 
Unwelcome  office,  with  the  stranger's  blood 
To  glut  remorseless  At^,  and  preside 
At  an  accursed  altar,  where  with  shjieks. 
And  piteous  tears,  the  victims  wail  their  fate. 
But  now  the  stranger's  sufferings  I  forget. 
And  wail  my  Brother,  my  Orestes  dead, 
Whom  yet  an  helpless  infant  at  the  breast. 
Yet  in  his  Mother's  fostering  arms  I  left. 
The  heir  to  thrones  be  never  must  ascend. 

HERDSMAN,  IPHIGENIA,  CHORUS,  ^    ^ 

CHORUS,  JT  '^  V 

Behold  a  Herdsman  from  the  stormy  coast 
Of  ocean  hither  coupes;  he  surely  brings 
Fresh  tidiujgs  of  ^importance,  ; 

^t>i«\A5  1^  HERDSMAN,  V  5  .  ^  *  <»  *  ^  . 

Thou,  who  ow'st 
Thy  birth  to  Agamemnon,  mighty  King, 
And  Clytemnf  stra,  hear  what  I  relate. 

IPHIGENIA, 

With  what  dire  tale  these  ears  would' st  thou  invade) 

HERDSMAN. 

Two  youths,  who  in  their  bark  adventurous  pass'd 
TTwixt  the  Cyanean  rocks,  are  on  these  shores 
Just  landed  :  welcome  victims  to  our  Goddess 
Diana^  them  must  we  present,    Th^  laver 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURrS.  169 

Be  it  thy  office  therefore  to  make  ready. 
And  the  initiatory  rites  commence, 

IPHIGENIA. 

Whence  came  they  ?  OF  wliat  country  are  they  styl'd? 

HERDSMAN. 

This  only  do  I  know,  that  they  are  Greeks, 
And  nought  beyond. 

IPHIGENIA. 

But  canst  thou  not  repeat 
These  strangers'  names,  which  haply  thou  hast  heard? 

HERDSMAN. 

Py lades  by  his  comrade  one  wiis  call'd. 

IPHIGENIA. 

The  Other,  what  name  bore  he? 

HERDSMAN. 

This  none  knows; 
We  heard  not, 

IPHIGENIA. 

How  did  ve  discover  them. 
How  chance  to  seize  ? 

HERDSMAN. 

Conceal'd  within  the  rocks. 
Of  yon  inhospitable  beach. 

IPHICENL\. 

What  commerce 
Have  Herdsmen  with  the  sea  ? 

HERDSMAN. 

We  thither  went 
To  wash  our  oxen  in  the  briny  waves. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Resume  thy  tale ;  say  how  and  by  what  means 
Ye  took  then!  captive,  for  I  fain  would  hear. 
Tardy  tliey  come,  nor  hath  Diana's  altar 
Yet  thoroughly  been  drench'd  with  Grecian  blood. 

HERDSMAN. 

When  we  had  driven  our  cattle  to  the  sea 
Whifh  flows  'twixt  the  Symplegades,  we  reach'd 


J 70  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS; 

The  spot  where  ocean's  frequent  tides  have  worn 
A  hollow  cave,  which,  to  the  fisherman 
Who  there  the  murex  takes,   its  shelter  yields. 
One  of  our  comrades,  seeing  there  two  youths,  (8) 
Returned  on  tiptoe  cautious,  and  exclaim'd 
With  wild  astonishment;  "  Observe  j^e  not? 
"  Some  Powers  Divine  sit  there!"    One  more  deyoDtj 
Soon  as  he  saw  them,  with  uphfted  hands 
In  terms  of  adoration  cried  :  ^*  O  son 
Of  the  divine  Leucothea,   who  direct'st 
The  wandering  bark^  Palaemon,    aweful  lord, 
Propitious  hear  our  suit :    or,  O  ye  Twins  , 
Whom  Jove  begot,  for  haply  on  this  shore 
Castor  and  Pollux  sit :    or  do  ye  trace 
Your  birth  from  Nereus  the  illustrious  Sire 
Of  fifty  Goddesses?"     But  vain,  and  bold 
In  his  impiety,  another,   laughing 
At  these  devotions^  said,  '*  Some  shipwreck'd  sailors, 

(8)  Mf.  Warton  in  his  notes  on  Milton  considers  him  as  indebted  to 
this  passage  in  his  favourite  Greel^  Tra&;edian  for  the  following  beantifal 
lines  in  Gorans,  where  that  Enchanter  describes  to  tlie  Lady  the  two 
youths  he  liad  seen  in  the  forest,  who  prove  to  be  her  Brothers ; 

"  Two  such  I  saw, 
'*  Their  port  was  more  than  human ;  as  they  stood 
"  I  took  it  for  a  faery  vision 
"  Of  some  gay  creatures  of  the  element 
"  That  in  the  colours  of  the  rainbow  live, 
'^  And  play  i'  th'  plighted  clouds.    I  was  aw-«truck, 
"  And  as  I  past  I  worshipt,** 

The  foUo^ving  observations  of  Dr.  Warton ;  "  there  is  an  impropriety  of 
*^  character  in  the  mention  of  Leucothea,  Palaemon,  and  the  Dioscuri : 
'^  Euripides  has  made  tiie  Shepherd^  a  barbarous  inhabitant  of  Taoris, 
*'  talk  too  much  like  a  Greek,"  will  lose  much  of  thdr  weight  when  the 
reader  attends  to  the  circumstance  of  the  Scythians  having  mad^  a 
Grecian  captive  their  Priestess,  from  whom  it  is  by  no  means  improbable 
that  even  tlie  meanest  of  the  people  should  have  derived  some  informa- 
tion in  regard  to  those  on  whom  her  country  bestowed  divine  honours : 
thus  not  only  the  Poets,  but  the  most  respectable  historians  of  Greece, 
as  Heredotus  and  Pausanias,  inform  their  readers,  that  the  songs  on  the 
death  of  Linus  had  in  their  days  reached  even  the  Barbarian  nations. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  17 1 

'*  Appris'd  no  doubt  of  Scythia's  laws,  which  doom 
'^  The  stranger  to  be  sacrific'd,   thro'  fear 
''  Sit  in  the  cave."     We  most  of  us  esteem'd 
That  he  had  rightly  spoken,   and  resolv'd 
To  seize  them  as  Diana's  usual  victims. 
But  from  the  rock  immediately  advanc'd 
One  of  the  strangers  :  dire  contorsions  shook 
His  head,  his  hands,   and  every  limb,  he  groan'd 
Possest  by  raging  frenzy,  and  exclaim'd 
Loud  as  the  hunters,  with  a  shout;  ^^  My  friend. 
My  Pylades,  look  there,  from  inmost  hell 
She  comes,  that  Dragon  comes  to  murder  me. 
With  dreadful  vipers  arm'd.     Yet,  yet  again 
*^  A  second  whose  robes  stream  with  fire,  her  wings 
'*  Bear  pestilential  horrors,  in  her  arms 
'*  She  holds  my  Mother,  who,  to  crush  me,  hurls 
'^  Whole  rocks  uprooted.     She,  .alas  !  will  slay  me, 
*'  Whither,  ah  whither  can  T  fly?"     His  gestures 
And  frenzy  varied  oft ;  now  bleating  calves 
His  voice  did  imitate,  and  now  the  howls 
Of  angry  dogs  ;   such  sounds  they  say  are  utter'd 
By  the  Eumenides  :    shrunk  up  with  fear. 
And  mute  like  dying  men,  meantime  we  lay ; 
But  he  his  falchion  drew,   and,   like  a  lion. 
Rushing  amid  the  herd,  transpierced  their  flanks 
Thinking  he  smote  the  Furies,   till  the  foam 
Of  ocean  was  died  crimson  with  their  gore. 
When  every  Peasant  midst  his  oxen  saw 
These  dreadful  ravages,  we  all  to  arms 
Betook  ourselves,  and  blowing  the  loud  shell 
Summon'd  the  neighbouring  rustics  to  our  aid. 
Because  we  deemM  that  'gainst  these  noble  youths 
The  force  of  herdsmen  would  in  combat  prove 
Unequal :   we  our  numbers  soon  encreas'd  ; 
But  our  assailant,  when  that  frantic  rage 
Which  gave  him  vigour  was  exhausted,  fell ; 
With  foam  his  mouth  was  cover'd ;  when  we  found 


173  IPHTGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

Such  great  advantage  ours,    all  took  a  part 

In  the  encounter  ;    from  a  distance  these 

Hurl'd  rocky  fragments,  while  those  strove  with  stoneir 

To  smite  him  ;    but  the  other  dauntless  stranger 

Tended  his  comrade,  wiping  from  his  lips 

The  clammy  foam,  over  his  body  threw 

His  garment  to  protect  him,  warded  off 

The  blows  we  aim'd,  nor  spared  one  friendly  office. 

Restored  to  reason,   the  youth  started  up, 

ObservM  the  tempest  of  assailing  foes, 

Aware  that  ruin  was  at  hand,  and  groaned. 

But  we  desisted  not  from  hurling  stones, 

By  turns  assailing  him  on  every  side: 

This  dreadful  exhortation  from  his  mouth 

At  length  we  heard,   **  O  Pylades,  our  death' 

'*  Is  certain,  but  with  thy  uplifted  sword 

"  Follow  my  steps,    and  let  us  die  with  glory.** 

No  sooner  we  beheld  our  foes  both  wave 

Their  glittering  falchions,    than  to  woods  that  hang 

Over  the  topmost  promontory*s  verge. 

In  crowds  we  fled  for  refuge;    but  while  some 

Retreated,   others  prcss'd  upon  our  foes. 

And  smote  them  :  after  they  had  driven  these  back^ 

The  party  who  had  first  given  way,  advanced. 

And  in  their  turns  renew'd  tlie  missile  war. 

This  circumstance  was  wonderful :    tho*  stones 

Hurrd  by  a  thousand  hands  flew  thick  around. 

None  reactiM  the  destined  victims  of  the  Goddess: 

Them  we  at  Icugili  with  difficulty  seiz'd. 

But  not  courageously  ;   for  in  a  circle 

Gathering  about  them,   from  their  hands  with  stones  • 

We  beat  their  swords,    and  on  their  knees  to  earth 

They  sunk  o*erpower'd  and  wearied.     We  conducted 

Our  prisoners  to  the  Monarch  of  this  realm. 

He  vievvM"  and  sent  them  hither,  that  with  speed 

Sprinkling  the  sacred  Javer  o'er  their  heads. 

The  victims  thou  may'st  purify.     Exult, 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  173 

O  virgin,  in  th'  arrival  of  such  guests  ; 
For  if  heroic  youths  like  tliese  oft  bleed, 
Greece  will  be  amply  punish'd  for  its  ijuHt 
In  having  doom'cl  thee  to  be  slain  at  Aulis, 

CHORUS. 
Thou  hast  related  a  most  wondrous  tale 
Of  him,  whoe'er  he  .be,  the  3^outh  unknown, 
From  Greece  who  landed  on  these  Pontic  shores.  (9) 

AmC^^^-^  IPHIGENIA, 

Enough  iVotjiou,  and  to  the  temple  bring 
The  stiangeR.     What  remains  shall  be  my  care. 

[lixit  HEEIDSMAK. 

Thou,  O  my  wretched  heart,  wert  tender  erst 

And  merciful  to  strangers,  ever  prone. 

For  thy  poor  countrymen,  when  any  Greek 

Was  as  the  destin'd  victim  to  thy  hands 

Consign'd,  to  shed  the  sympathetic  tear. 

But  now,  exasperated  by  horrid  dreams. 

Such  as  persuade  me  that  Orestes  views 

The  solar  beams  no  more,  I  shall  receive 

With  sternness  all  who  may  hereafter  come. 

True  is  that  antient  maxim,  O  my  friends. 

For  I  am  wretched  now,  and  feel  its  force ; 

*^  Too  oft  the  soul,  eml)iiter'd  by  distress, 

"  'Gainst  those  who  are  more  haj)py  than  ourselves, 

*'  Swells  with  malevolence."     But  Jove  denies 

A  favourable  wind.     Ko  bark,  that  sail'd  # 

Twixt  the  Symplegades,  hath  hither  brought 

Helen,  the  guilty  source  of  all  my  woes. 

And  Menelaus,  ihat  a  just  revenge 

On  them  I  might  inflict,  they  here  should  find 

Another  Aulis  to  atone  for  that, 

(9)  The  term  noifrw  ytjf,  which  I  have  here  reodered  Pontic  flhora^ 
meftns  the  lanJs  wat^lietl  by  tlie  Euxine  soa,  which  is  fripqueutly  caUe4 
by  the  Greek  writers  nov7o;  without  any  ^Ms-tinrUou,  and  from  them  co- 
pied into  other  languages :  tlius  on  rcforriii^r  to  th(-  word  Tlotmc  in  Ste- 
l^uuuis  Byzantinus,  we  find  the  defiuitioa  to  be,  tiuuns  o  iv^tnogg  Pontui 
propria  Euxiaufl* 


174  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURI3. 

Where,  like  a  heifer,  Dauaus' race^rst  dragg'd 
Their  Princess  to  the  altar :  but  the  Priest 
Was  my  own  Father.     Wretched  me!  that  scene 
I  never  can  forget.     To  touch  his  cheek 
How  often  did  I  raise  my  suppliant  hands. 
Clinging  round  Chose  paternal  knees^  and  cry, 
*'  To  what  unseemly  nuptials  am  I  home 

By  thee,  my  Sire :  amidst  her  Argive  Dames, 
Now  my  deluded  Mother  wakes  the  song 
^'  In  honour  of  my  hymeneal  rites, 
*'  And  with  shrill  flutes  the  festive  hall  resounds, 
"  While  by  thy  hands  I  perish.     Not  the  Son 
*'  Of  Peleus,  but  dread  Pluto  is  th'  Achilles 
"  Whom  thou  did'st  call  my  Husband  :  in  that  car 
Hast  thou  convey'd  me  to  a  bloody  marriage 
By  treacherous  arts."     Thro'  the  transparent  veil. 
Beholding,  in  my  trembling  arms  I  caught 
This  (10)  dearest  Brother  (Brother  now  no  more); 
But  modesty  prevented  me  from  using 
A  Sister's  privilege,  and  ere  I  went. 
As  was  pretended,  to  the  house  of  Peleus, 


(10)  Thtot  fiXoprr  is  the  reading  of  Aldus,  Barnes,  Markland,  and  I  ap- 
prehend, of  every  other  edition;  nor  hath  notice  been  taken  of  any  va- 
riation in  the  manuscripts :  but  Mr.  Tyrwhitt  and  Dr.  Mnsg^ye  both 
insist,  in  very  peremptory  terms,  on  the  absolute  necessity  of  converting 
tiic  affirmative  into  a  negative,  and  reading  »t'  tmo^o^tf,  bat  for  what 
Reason  I  am  unable  to  discover.  Iphigenia,  in  the  preceding  tragedy, 
brings  Orestes  in  her  arms  when  she  implores  her  Father's  mercy,  (see 
Iphigenia  in  Aulis,  v.  1119  and  1241)  and  may  be  supposed  to  have  again 
hastily  snatched  him  up  as  she  vtras  borne  to  the  altar,  but  to4iave  re> 
frained  from  taking  a  solemn  leave  of  him,  or  makmg  any  mention  of 
her  being,  not  a  Bride,  but  a  victim  destined  to  bleed  at  the  altar;  ivben 
such  a  multitude  of  spectators  were  present.  As  for  the  pronoan  wno^ 
it  is  indeed  defined  to  be  ^«xTtxoy,  but  frequently  refers  to  a  person  al- 
ready spoken  of  (which  is  the  case  with  Orestes,  whom  his  Sister  men- 
tions in  the  commencement  of  this  very  speech)  with  no  less  propriety 
than  to  one  marked  out  as  present.  Five  lines  farther,  Reiskins,  Mr. 
Tyrwhitt,  Mr.  Markland,  and  Dr.  Musgrave,  all  four  change  jcaxwr  int» 
xoT^v,  on  their  own  mere  conjectures.  The  privilege  of  a  Translator 
happily  does  not  extend  so  far  as  by  any  means  to  authorise  him,  in  fill- 
lowing  such  examples,  to  caU  Evil,  6ood,  w  Good,  Evil. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  175 

Joining  my  lips  to  his:  each  fond  caress^ 

Liike  one  who  to  her  Argos  might  return> 

To  a  long  future  season  I  deferr'd. 

If,  hapless  youth/ thou  sleep  among  the  dead^ 

By  what  disastrous  fortunes  art  thou  fali'n, 

Striving  to  emulate  thy  Father's  fame. 

Siich  casuistry  as  that  with  which  they  charge 

Our  Goddess,  I  abhor,  who  from  her  fane 

Expels  the  murderer,  and  e'en  him  who  touches 

A  corse,  or  an  abortion,  as  impure; 

While  she  herself  delights  in  human  victims. 

To  mighty  Jove  Latona  never  bore 

Such  folly.     I  this  rumour  too  believe  not. 

That  at  the  board  of  Tantalus,  the  Gods 

On  a  child's  flesh  erst  feasted  with  delight. 

Rather  the  bloody  Scythians  have  transferr'd 

To  a  celestial  Beings  their  own  crimes. 

I  deem  no  God  can  e'er  be  thus  deprav'd. 


Kiy 


CHORUS. 

^  ODE. 

^^      Cyanean  rocks,  beneath  whose  cloven  height 
The  furious  tide  impells  the  crashing  mast. 
Where  lo  stung  with  wild  affright. 
By  Jove's  relentless  Consort,  pass'd. 
From  Europe  driven  to  th*  Asiatic  strand ; 
Say,  whence  these  youths?  left  they  Eurotas'  bank. 
Where  reeds  overspread  the  meadows  dank, 
Qr  Dirce's  holy  fount  f  they  land, 
Their  hapless  voyage  to  conclude, 
'Midst  an  inhospitable  race. 
Where  by  yon  Maid  with  human  gore  imbru'd 
The  hallow'd  altars  reek,  and  columns'  sculptured  base* 

I.  <l. 
,  These  strangers,  trusting  to  the  dangerous  seas. 
Each  oar  did  surely  ply,  and  dare  t'  unfold 


176  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

Their  swelling  canvas  to  the  breeze. 
By  an  immoderate  tliirst  for  gold 

Lur'd  from  their  distant  honies.  Hope,  pleasing  bane 

Of  mortals,  with  insatiable  desires 
To  heap  up  riches,  still  inspires 
Its  votaries  wandering  o'er  the  main. 
Who  tempt  th*  unknown  Barbarian  waste. 
How  vain  our  judgements  !  some  pursue 

Wealth,  as  the  first  of  blessings  man  can  taste; 
Others,  the  gilded  bait  with  calm  indifference  view. 

n.  1. 

How  could  their  vessel  thrid  th'  impending  steep. 
Or  by  the  rocks  of  watchful  Phineus  glide  (11) 

Sounding  the  chambers  of  the  deep. 

And  Amphitrite's  boisterous  tide, 
Where  Nereus'  fifty  Daughters,  choral  notes 
Attuning,  glide  in  sportive  band  around. 

Till  the  bark  a  road  hath  found 

O'er  trackless  ocean  as  it  floats. 

Aided  by  the  southern  gale 

Or  zephyr,  to  Achilles'  land, 
Where  the  bold  warrior  anchojing  furl'd  his  sail. 
And  rah  with  swift  career  on  Leuca's  chalky  strand. 

n.  ^i. 

Might  Leda*s  Daughter  Helen  (O  what  joy !) 
Fulfilling  this  illustrious  virgin's  prayer. 
Come  hither  from  the  field  of  Trov: 
Then  sprinkling  o'er  her  auburn  hair 

(11)  Phineus  was  Brother  to  Cepheus,  King  of /Ethiopia,  who  exposed 
his  Daughter  Andromeda  to  a  sea  monster,  sent  by  Neptune  to  ravage 
liis  dominions :  Perseus  undertook  to  deliver  the  Pi  ineess,  lier  Father 
having  sworn  to  give  her  in  marriage  to  him  as  a  reward :  but  after  he 
had  slain  the  monster,  Pliineus  to  whom  tiis  Niece  had  been  previously 
engaged,  attacked  him  with  a  band  of  armed  followers,  Perseus  de- 
fended himself  with  great  courage,  but  finding  himself  on  the  point  of 
being  overpowered  by  numbers,  lifted  np  tlie  head  of  Medusa,  which 
metamorphosed  Phineus  and  his  comrades,  into  the  rocks  here  spoken 
of,  called  Sleepless,  according  to  Barnes,  from  the  sound  of  the  waves 
continually  dashing  against  them. 


N, 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  177 

The  lustral  drops,  should  Iphigenia*s  hand 
Perform  its  task,  and  give  the  vengeful  stroke. 

What  tidings,  if  to  loose  our  yoke, 

From  Greece  some  sailor  here  should  land ! 

At  least,  ye  flattering  dreams,  prolong 

Th'  ideal  moments  of  delight. 
Such  thoughts  as  these  inspire  a  loftier  song, 
My  lovM  and  natal  walls  yet  dance  before  my  sight. 

ORESTES,  PYLADES,  IPHIGENIA,  CHORUS. 

IPHIGENIA. 

The  victims  of  our  Goddess  come,  their  hands 
Secured  with  double  chains.     My  friends  be  silent: 
For  the  two  youths,  first  fruits  of  Greece,  approach 
The  temple.     I  perceive  that  herdsman  brought 
Ho  groundless  tidings. 

CHORUS. 

Aweful  Queen,   accept 
The  proffer'd  victims,  if  this  city,  mov'd 
By  thy  command,  did  institute  such  rites 
As  seem  unholy  thro'  our  Grecian  ^^^^•/fty  €  j^^^ 

IPHIGENIA.  ^^  M^VVjIVU 

Enough.     On  me  it  is  incumbent,  first       r  > 
To  see  the  due  solemnities  performed. 
Kelease  the  strangers'  hands,  for  they  are  sacred. 
And  should  be  bound  no  longer.     In  the  fane 
^         Prepare  what  this  emergency  requires, 
tJi^r   And  antient  customs  authorise.     Alas  ! 
Ss  ^W^  What  Mother  brought  you  forth?  who  was  your  Sire? 
^  And  had  ye  any  Sister  ?  if  ye  had. 

How  must  she  weep  th'  irreparable  loss 

Of  two  such  Brothers?  but  who  knows  what  fortunes 

Hereafter  will  befall  him  ?   the  designs 

Of  Heaven  in  thick  obscurity  are  veil'd. 

None  view  what  mischiefs,  yet  unripe,  now  hang 

0*er  their  devoted  heads ;  the  ways  of  chance 

Are  such^  as  mortals  cannot  understand. 

VOL.  II.  N 


I7d  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

Unhappyyouihs,  whence  came  ye?  fjrom  whataboM* 
Far  distant,  to  these  regions  did  ye  sail  ? 
Your  absence  from  your  country  shall  be  long^ 
For  in  the  sliades  beneath  are  ye  ordain'd 
To  dwell  for  ever. 

ORESTES. 
Whosoe'er  thou  art, 
O  Woman>  why  dost  thou  bewail,  why  look 
Thus  sorrowful  at  our  impending  fate? 
Unwise  I  deem  the  Man,  who,  ott  the  verge 
Of  Death,   by  pride  attempts  to  overcome  (I2> 
The  terrors  which  that  aweful  hour  inspires : 
Hinv  toa  k  blame,   who  wails  widiout  a  hope 
Of  being  respited,  for  he  creates 
Two  evil*  out  of  one ;  is  charg'd  with  folly. 
Nor  lengthens  out  the  coward  life  he  doats  on,^ 
Let  Fortune  do  her  worst,  do  thou  forbear 
These  lamentations:  for  in  Scythia^c  well 
We  know  what  victims  at  the  altar  bteed. 

IPHIGKNIA. 

But  whick  of  you  two  strangers  bears  the  name 
Of  Pylades?  I  to  this  questtoa  firsts 
Ad  answer  would  receive^ 

OBESTES. 

Tb  he :  if  9tXkght 
.  Of  pleasure  such  intelligence  can  yields 

IPH1QENL4U 

Say  in  what  Grecian  city  was  he  born  l 

ORESTES. 

O  Virgin,  will  it  profit  thee  to  know  I 

IPHIOENIA« 

Had  ye  one  Mother  ? 

ORESTE& 

Friendship's  sacred  tie» 

(ti)  The  evident  :Bq;>rovement  it  gives  to  tfie  constnctioa,  ioJsoe* 
me  to  read  with  Dr.  Musgrave  ofiuv,  iastu,  instead  of  ond^  plonitioiMi^ 
though  I  do  not  find  it  supported  by  the  anthority  of  «Dy  edition  or 
nutcript  whatever*. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  179 

Form  all  our  brotherhood,  not  those  o{,  blood. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Answer  what  name  received  you  from  your  Site  I 

ORESTES. 

^  With  truth  I  The  Unhappy  might  be  styl'd. 

IPHIGENIA. 

That's  foreign  to  my  question.    The  whale  blame 
On  Fortune  must  be  charg'd. 

ORESTES. 

Leave  me  to  die 
Unknown,  that  in  the  grave  I  may  escape 
Each  bitter  taunt. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Why  grudge  to  answer  me?  (13) 
Whence  do  these  lofty  sentiments  arise? 

ORI&TES. 

The  blade  may  pierce  this  bosom,  but  my  name 
Thou  canst  not  slay. 

IPHIGENIA. 

And  will  you  not  reveal 
The  city  whence  you  came  i 

ORESTES. 

What  thou  hast  ask'd 
Is  of  no  service  to  a  dying  man. 

IPHIGENIA. 

But  what  prevents  your  granting  my  request  ? 

ORESTES. 

With  pride  I  own  that  Argos  is  my  country. 

IPHIGENIA. 
Were  you  indeed,  O  stranger,  (by  the  Gods 
Speak,  1  conjure  you,   speak,)  in  Argos  bom  ? 

vvi-"  CmESTES. 

Yes,  ifct  Mycqne,  a  once  happy  town. 

(13)  That  the  first  ^^mc  in  tliis  speech  ought  to  be  ^Omg  was  a  conjec- 
ture of  Mr.  Tyrwhitf  8,  which  we  find  by  Mr.  Markland  and  Dr.  Mm- 
gTKve  is  confirned  botii  by  the  Parisian  mMiQscripts  and  one  at  Ozftfd. 

V  2 


180  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

IPfflGENIA. 

But  were  you  banish'd  from  your  native  land. 
Or  by  what  fortune  to  these  regions  horoe  ? 

ORESTES. 
Mine  was  a  willing  yet  reluctant  flight. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Will  you  not  answer  any  of  the  questions 
Which  I  propose  ?  ' 

ORESTES. 

That  must  I,  with  the  haste 
Of  one  who  stands  upon  the  verge  of  Death. 

IPHIGENIA. 

By  me  much  wished  for,  you  from  Argo's  come. 

ORESTES. 

To  my  own  bane  :  but  if  thou  list,  indulge 
A  cruel  triumph,  «' 

IPHIGENIA. 

Troy  perchance  you  knew. 
Whose  fame  spread  through  the  world. 

ORESTES. 

Ah,  would  to  Hearett 
I  had  not,  e'en  in  dreams ! 

IPHIGENIA. 

Tis  now  no  more, 
Ab  they  report,  but  was  by  war  destroyed. 

ORESTES. 

E'en  so :  nor  hast  thou  heard  a  groundless  tale. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Did  Helen  thence  to  her  own  house  return 
With  Menelaus? 

ORESTES. 

She  returned :  the  pest 
Of  one  to  whom  I  nearly  am  allied. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Where  is  she  now  ?  me  too  &he  erst  did  wrong, 

ORESTES. 

In  Sparta  her  first  Husband's  bed  she  shares. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  181 

IPHIGENIA. 

Hateful  to  every  Greek,  not  me  alone^ 

ORESTES. 
I  too  have  tasted  the  pernicious  fruit 
Of  her  accarsed  nuptials. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Speaks  Fame  true. 
When  she  relates  the  Grecian  host  came  bapk  ? 

ORESTES. 

A  thousand  various  subjects  of  enquiry. 
How  dost  thou  blend  in  one? 

IPHIGENIA. 

lefore  you  die. 
Of  this  intelligence  I  first  w<^ld  fain 
Avail  myself. 

ORESTi 

Since  this  desire  is  earnest. 
Propose  thy  questions^  I  will  answer  them. 

IPHIGENU. 

,  There  was  a  Seer  named  Calchasi  from  the  siege 
Of  Troy,  did  he  return  ? 

ORESTES. 

That  Augur  perish'd,  (14)    " 

(14)  The  account  Quintiis  Calaber  gives  of  Calchas  after  Troy  was 
taken  is,  that  he  foretold  the  destruction  of  the  Grecian  fleet  on  the  rocks 
qi  Caphareos,  and  refusing  to  accompany  his  countrymen,  who  were 
deaf  to  his  prudent  ady^ce,  delayed  his  embarkation,  and  staid  )>«hind 
fbf  some  time  w^th  Ampbilochus,  younger  son  of  the  augur  Amphiareoi, 
the  Fates  haying  decreed  they  should  sail  to  Pamphylia:  and  Herodotus, 
q>eaking  of  the  troops  fiirnislied  by  that  country  at  the  time  pf  Xenei^ 
eiq[>edition  against  Qreece,  says^  they  were  descended  from  the  com- 
rades of  Amphilochus  and  Calchas,  separated  from  their  comrades  on 
their  return  from  Troy.  The  death  of  Calchas  has  been  variously  repre- 
sented V  Lycophron  twice  mentions  it  in  his  Cassandra,  v.  426,  and  980 : 
from  the  fynt  of  these  passages  with  the  assistance  of  Tzetases'  Greek 
Scholia,  and  the  Latin  annotations  of  Canteiiis,  we  collect,  that  this  fa- 
mous sootbkyer  after  the  destruction  of  Troy  came  to  Colophon,  where 
finding  pa  Mopsus  a  prophet  of  supeiior  skill,  he  perUhed  according  to 
the  Oracle,  which  leaves  us  not  clear  whether  be  destroyed  himself  or 


18«  IPMIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

As  all  Mycene's  citizens  aver. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Dread  Goddess!  but  how  fares  Laertes'  son  ? 

ORESTES. 

His  home  Jie  hath  not  reached,  tho*  yet  he  lives 
As  it  is  rumour'd. 

IPHIGENIA. 
May  he  die,   and  view 
His  native  land  no  more  ! 

ORESTES.  J 

Thy  curses  spare, 
For  he  enough  already  is  distrest. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Doth  yet  the  Nereid-Thetis'  Son  survive  ? 

ORESTES. 

Achilles  is  no  more,  his  nuptial  rites 
At  Aulis  did  he  celebrate  in  vain. 

merely  pined  away  through  chagrifi:  but  in  tiie  latter  passage,  n^fm 
fjutfifi  yoTyiiXii  rvnets  les^ds  US  rather  to  infer  that  vidence  was  offered  to  him 
by  others.  The  matters  in  which  these  two  rival  Seers  are  represent^ 
as  having  exerted  their  science,  are  of  a  most  trivial  nature :  M^sop^ 
triumph  being  founded  on  his  immediately  naming  the  exact  number  of 
figs  which  grew  on  a  tree  goaded  with  fliiit;  and  the  disgrace  of  Calchaf, 
on  his  giving  an  erroneous  answer  when  questioned  how  many  pigs  a  ctr<* 
tain  pregnant  sow  would  produce :  but  Conon  in  the  6th  of  his  mura- 
^ons  assigns  ^  much  more  important  cause  for  the  fkte  of  opr  Angar,  and 
says  that  Amphimachus  King  of  Lycia,  having  consulted  both  Mop6l» 
imd  Calchas  in  regard  to  the  success  of  a  vrar  in  which  he  ww  alMift  l» 
embark ;  the  fi>nner  cautioned  him  against  going  ibrth  to  battle,  aad 
foretold  tl)at  he  would  be  def^ted ;  while  the  latter  encouraged  Mtti  hf 
the  most  flattering  predictions  of  success :  but  upon  that  Monareh'li  h^ 
ing  vanquished,  su<^  distinguisl^ed  honours  were  paid  to  Mvpsos,  Uttl 
(;;9lchas  in  rage  and  despafr  killed  himself.  It  ou^t  hOwe<ver,  in  jm9Ac% 
to  that  Prophet,  to  be  remembered,  that  he  was  subdued  by  no  ordinal^ 
smtftgonist ;  as  it  appears  ftom  both  tl^e  passages  of  Conon  above-ched^ 
imd  more  fully  from  Gronovius's  comment  pn  Seneca's  Medea,  v.^SSf  j 
that  this  Mopsus  (whom  some  have  injudiciously  confounded  with  Mop<t 
sus  tiie  son  of  Ampycus,  mentioned  by  Ovid  as  having  been  present  at 
the  huntuig  of  tie  Calydonian  boar)  was  begotten  by  Apoflo,  and  h«A 
for  his  Mother  Manto  the  Daughter  of  Tiresias,  whom  we  have  seen  in* 
trodnced  by  Enripideg  in  his  Tragedy  of  the  Ph^n^qan  Damseli. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAUHIS.  idS 

IPHIGENIA. 

Most  treacherous  nuptial  rites,  as  they  assert 
W-ho  felt  thein  to  their  cost. 

ORESTES* 

But  who  art  thou 
That  speak'st  in  terms  thus  accurate  of  Greece  f 

IPHIGENIA. 
There  was  I  bolrn  :    from  jouth's  first  bloom  I  date 
My  sufferings* 

OKESTES. 
Hence,  O  Virgin,  thy  desire 
To  know  what  there  hath  pass'd  deserves  our  praide. 

IPHIGENU. 

Where  is  that  Chieftain,  whom  men  term  the  Blest? 

ORESTES. 

What  General  dost  thou  mean  ?  for  he  I  knew 
Was  not  among  the  fortunate. 

IPHIGENIA. 

The  son 
Of  Atreus,  Agamemnon,  mighty  King. 

ORESTES. 

i  know  not ;  wave  that  question,  gentle  Maid. 

IPHIGENIA. 
No,  by  the  Gods,  I  cannot :  O  reply. 
And  cheer  my  soul. 

ORESTES. 

Most  wretchedly  he  perish'd. 

And  others  in  his  ruin  hath  involved. 

IPHIGENIA. 
Is  he  too  dead  ?  Thro'  what  disastrous  fate  ? 
Ah  me! 

ORESTES. 
But  wherefore  groan'st  thou  for  his  loss? 
To  thee  was  he  allied  ? 

IPHIGENIA. 

On  his  past  greatness 
I  think  not  without  sorrow. 


1S4  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS, 

ORESTES. 

His  dire  end 
Was  tliis,  a  Woman  smote  him. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Both  to  her 
His  Murdress,  and  the  slain,  our  tears  are  due. 

ORESTES. 

Be  satisfied  at  length,  and  ask  no  more. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Yet  lives  the  Wife  of  that  unhappy  King  ? 

ORESTES. 

She  lives  not,  by  her  own  Son's  hand  destroyed. 

IPHIGENIA. 

O  house,   a  scene  of  wild  confusion  now! 
But  what  could  instigate  him  ? 

ORESTES. 

To  avenge 
His  murder'd  Sire,  he  took  her  life  away. 

IPHIGENIA. 

A  noble  criminal !  there  justice  urg'd. 

ORESTES. 

But  Heaven  with  frowns  beheld  the  righteous  de^* 

IPHIGENIA. 

Left  Agamemnon  any  other  issue  i 

ORESTES. 

One  Daughter,  yet  a  virgin,  namM  £lectra« 

IPHIGENIA. 

But  what !  is  there  no  mention  made  of  her 
He  sacrific'd? 

ORESTES. 

Nought  else,  but,  with  the  dead 
Now  numbered,  that  no  more  she  views  the  sun. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Wretched  was  she,  most  wretched  too  the  Sire. 
Who  slew  her. 

ORESTES. 

In  a  worthless  wpiQan's  cause. 


^lo 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  ,a5 

Victim  to  base  ingratitude  she  fell. 

IPHIGENIA. 

At  Argos  dwells  the  son  of  its  slain  King? 

ORESTES. 

A  miserable  wanderer,  he  is  no  where, 
And  every  where. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Adieu,  for  ye  are  nothing, 
Ye  lying  dreams. 

ORESTES  (15). 

Nor  are  those  Demons,  call'd 
By  mortals  wise,  less  guilty  of  deceit 
Than  flitting  visions.     Dire  confusion  reigns 
As  well  in  Heaven  above  as  earth  below. 
But  this  one  comfort's  left,  thro'  his  own  folly, 
Orestes  perish'd  not,  but  from  complying 
With  oracles  pronounced  by  mighty  Seers : 
For  that  he  perish'd,  they  who  know  it  well 
Assert. 

CHORUS. 

Ah  !  who  our  fortunes  can  disclose. 
And  those  of  our  lov'd  parents,  are  they  dead^ 
Or  do  they  yet  survive  i 

IPHIGENIA. 

Ye  strangers,  hear. 
I  will  propose  a  scheme  I  now  have  form'd. 
Which,   if  ye  both  concur,  to  your  advantage 
As  well  as  mine  may  tend ;   but  if  we  all 
In  j^ne  design  cooperate,  we  shall  best 
Ensure  success.     If  I  preserve  your  life. 
Will  you,  repairing  to  the  Argive  realm, 

(15)  The  diTiding  the  speeeh  here,  and  pntting  the  last  five  lines  intor 
the  monUi  of  Orestes,  seems  to  have  been  first  suggested  by  Mr.  Heath* 
who  is  followed  by  Mr.  Markland  and  Dr.  Musgrave,  who  observes  that 
Orestes  had  reason  to  charge  the  oracles  with  falshood^  wliich  Iphigenia 
had  noty  and  that  in  the  Parisian  manuscripts  the  speech  is  broken,  and 
the  three  last  lines  ascribed  to  Orestes. 


186  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAUBIS. 

The  message  I  intrust  you  with,  relate, 
And,  to  the  friends  whom  I  have  there,  convey 
A  letter  written  by  a  captive  youth 
Who  pitied  me,  nor  of  my  own  accord 
Thought  that  I  slew  him,  tbo'  l>aibarian  laws 
Enforced  his  death,  and  she  whom  we  adore 
Holds  murder  to  be  just?  I  yet  have  found 
No  captive  born  in  Argos,  if  I  sav'd 
His  life,  who  might  return,  and  to  m}'  friendft 
Dispatch  a  letter.     Therefore  you  who  seem 
(16)  To  spring  from  no  ignoble  race,  and  know 
Full  well  Mycene  and  the  friends  I  mean. 
Shall  be  set  free,  your  life  no  small  reward 
Obtaining  by  these  trivial  services. 
But  since  our  city  thus  decrees,  your  friend 
Torn  from  his  friend,  must  for  a  victim  bleed. 

ORESTES. 

Tn  all  but  this,  O  Priestess,  I  approve 
What  thou  hast  spoken  ;  it  would  add  fresh  weight 
To  my  calamities,  should  he  be  slain. 
For  it  is  I  who  steer,  the  bark  of  wo^. 
He  sails  but  as  the  partner  of  my  toils.  i^  -        ^ 

Nor  is  it  just  to  serve  thee,  on  such  terms 
As  leaving  him  to  perish,  while  I  'scape 
From  danger  singly,     But  be  this  thy  plan, 
To  him  the  letter  give,  which  he  shall  bear 
To  Argos;  hence  with  thee  shall  all  be  wells 
But  as  for  me,  let  those  to  whom  belongs 
Such  office,  slay  me.    There  is  pought  so  base 
As  he,  who  when  in  misery  he  hath  plung'd 
His  friends,  himself  escapes.     But  with  this  friend 
Am  I  united  by  the  strictest  ties, 
•Nor  more  solicitous  to  view  the  Sqn 
Than  to  preserve  his  life. 


(16)  ^pvv,  infestus,  is  here  by  Dr.  Mmgrave  9i$end  into  luaymf, 
ignobilis,  on  the  authority  of  the  Paiiiiwi  maanscripts. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  187 

IPHIGENIA. 

How  (;u1y  great! 
"From  some  illustrious  parents  sure  you  spring, 
Jnspir'd  with  sentiments  of  real  friendship. 
May  He,  that  hapless  youth  who  yet  survives. 
The  last  of  all  my  house,  resemble  you  ; 
For,  O  ye  strangers,  I  too  have  a  Brother, 
Whom  now  these  eyes  behold  not. -^  This  your  wish 
Shall  be  complied  with  ;  him  will  I  dispatch 
My  letter  to  convey  :  but  you  shall  bleed. 
Since  with  such  eagerness  you  rush  on  death. 

ORESTES. 

By  what  remorseless  hand  shall  I  be  slain  i 
Who  perpetrates  so  horrible  a  deed  ? 

IPHIGENIA. 

Myself:  for  in  these  expiatory  rites 
J  by  our  aweful  Goddess  am  employed. 

ORESTES. 

Unseemly  function  for  a  blppming  maid. 
And  such  as  none  can  envy. 
y/^  IPHIGENIA. 

9^  But  enjoin'd 

^By  that  severe  necessity  which  claims 
Obedience. 

ORESTES. 

Feeble  woman  as  thou  art^ 
Canst  thou  uplift  a  sacred  knife  to  pierce 
The  manly  bosom  i 

IPHIGENIA. 

No ;  but  on  your  head 

Shal}  I  pbur  lustral  waters. 

ORESTES. 

May  I  ask 

Who  .slay  the  victims  ? 

IPHIGENIA. 

Station'd  in  yon  fane 
Are  t^ey  to  whon^  such  office  4oth  belong. 


188  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

ORESTES. 

What  sepulchre  is  destin'd  to  receive  me 
When  I  am  dead  ? 

IPHIGENIA. 

The  hallow'd  fires  within 
Are  kindled,  and  beneath  th'  o'ershadowing  rock 
A  cavern  gapes  your  ashes  to  contain. 

ORESTES. 

O  that  a  Sister's  hand  could  have  perform'd  \    ■ 

Such  pious  office ! 

IPHIGENIA. 

A  vain  wish,  O  wretch. 
Whoe'er  you  are,  is  this:  far,  far  remote 
From  this  Barbarian  land  your  Sister  dwells.        , 
But  since  my  native  Argos  gave  you  birth. 
Far  as  my  power  extends,  will  I  omit 
No  courtesy,  but  on  your  tomb  dispose 
The  various  ornaments ;  (17)  with' oil  anoint 
Your  corse,  and  pour  ofi  your  funereal  pyre 
The  honied  spoils  collected  by  the  bee. 
But,  from  Diana's  inmost  shrine,  I  go 
To  bring  my  letter.     To  my  charge  impute  ^t 

No  wilful  cruelty.    With  care,  ye  guards, 
Observe,  but  bind  them  not.     When,  to  that  friend 
At  Argos,  whom  my  soul  holds  ever  dear. 
Those  unexpected  tidings  shall  arrive. 
Perceiving  by  my  letter  I  still  live 
Whom  he  thought  d^ad,  what  pleasures  will  he  feel  J 

Q)(!E.j^^"  [ExiY  IPHIGENIA. 

/^  CHORUS. 

Brave  youth,  let  me  condole  thy  fate,  o'er  thee 
Soon  must  the  laver  pour  its  lustral  stream. 

(17)  On  the  authority,  as  Mr.  Markland  informs  QS^  offinot  miUMh 

scripts,  the  line  '  . 

EauAi;  t'*  (tjuu  trufjut  (rat  yutrccff^tcw 

is  inserted  by  him  and  Dr.  Mvegr&Ye. 


i  . 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  189 

ORESTES. 

My  fate  demands  no  pity,  yet  accept 
Prom  me  a  last  farewel,  ye  foreign  dames. 

CHORUS. 

But  on  your  happier  fortunes,  we  to  you 
Address  our  gratulations,  for  at  length 
You  to  your  native  region  shall  return. 

PYIADES. 

Objects  unwish'd-for  by  a  real  friend 
Are  life  or  country,  if  his  friend  must  die. 

CHORUS, 

Most  inauspicious  voyage !  which,  ah  which. 
Shall  I  consider  as  ordain'd  to  bleed  ? 
My  soul  still  doubts  to  whether  of  the  twain 
These  plaints,  these  tributary  tears,  are  due. 

ORESTES. 

O  Pylades,  I  by  the  Gods  conjure  you, 
Unfold  the  secret  workings  of  your  heart. 
And  answer  if  they  sympathise  with  mine. 

PYLADES. 

Thj  sentiments  I  know  not :  thou  a  question 
^ast  ask'd  impossible  for  me  to  soIm^ 

ORESTES.        V^TT'^-^'"^^ 

What  Mud  is  this  f  with  what  a  Grecian  "^ai 
Of  lis  did  she  enquire  into  the  toils 
Sustained  at  Ilion,  how  the  host  returned. 
What  had  befall'n  the  skilful  augur  Calchas  : 
Achilles  too  she  nam'd :  then  what  compassion 
For  Agamemnon's  fate  did  she  express. 
And  ask  how  far'd  it  with  his  Wife,  his  Children  ! 
This  Damsel  from  some  Argive  race  must  spring, 
Or  she  this  letter  never  would  dispatch. 
Nor  search  into  their  fortunes  so  minutely, 
As  if  the  welfare  of  Mycene's  Kings 
Immediately  concem'd  her. 

PYLADES. 

But  one  moment 


jfc^*  • 


190  IPHIOENIA  tN  TAURIS, 

Dulst  thou  anticipate  me.     Thy  remark       \ 
Accords  with  mine  :  this  only  bast  thou  left 
Unnotic'd ;  when  Kings  Weed,  the  great  event 
Is  known  by  all,  who  with  attention  mark 
Human  vicissitudes.     But  other  thoughts 
Demand  us  now. 

ORESTES. 

Communicate  those  thoughts : 
Instruction  is  the  fruit  of  social  converse, 

PYLADES. 

Twere  base  in  me  to  live  when  thou  no  more 
Behold'st  the  sun,  for  we  together  saiPd, 
And  therefore  am  I  bound  to  share  thy  death. 
Else,  both  in  Argos'  realm,  and  thro'  each  vale 
Of  Phocis,  with  the  coward's  hated  name 
Shall  I  be  ever  branded.     To  the  many 
(For  in  the  many  envious  malice  reigns) 
When  I  return  alone,  I  shall  appear 
To  have  betray'd  thee,  or  amid  the  wrecl: 
Of  thy  unhappy  house  to  have  contrived 
Thy  murder,  thro'  the  hope  thy  Sister's  Husbaa^^ 
Heir  to  thy  fortunes,  might  obtain  the  throne ; 
This  fills  my  soul  with  horror ;  virtuous  shame 
Constrains  me  now  to  mix  my  latest  breath 
With  thine,  at  yon  dread  altar:  let  the  kt>ifc 
At  once  transpierce  us,  the  funereal  pyre 
Consume  our  bodies;  for  I  still  have  borne 
The  title  of  thy  friend,  and  fear  disgrace; 

ORESTES. 

Use  more  auspicious  language:  my  own  woea 
My  duty  is  to  bear,  nor  will  I  add 
To  my  afflictions,  which  are  single  now. 
Yours  which  would  make  them  double:  for  each  soflerifig: 
And  all  that  infamy  you  name,  were  mioe^ 
If  you,  the  generous  partner  of  roy  toib,  *■  .    ' 

I  caus'd  to  perish.     It  is  not  amiss 
For  me,  afflicted  bv  the  scourge  of  Heaven, 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  i(>i 

To  yield  up  a  diseased  and  wretched  life  : 

But  you  are  blest,  your  mansions  neither  guilt 

Nor  sorrow  visits:  mine  at  the  same  time  > 

Are  impious  and  unhappy.     If  you  scape, 

My  Sister,  whom  on  yoi:  I  have  bestow'd 

In  marriage,  may  a  race  of  children  bear ; 

Hence  shall  my  name  continue^  and  the  race 

Of  Agamemnon  never  be  extinct. 

Go,  live,  support  my  noble  Father's  house. 

But  when  you  reach  the  Grv-cian  coast,  the  realms 

Of  martial  Argos,  I  by  this  right  hand. 

The  pledge  of  amity,  implore  you,  heap 

A  tomb,  and  o'er  it  place  the  stone,  to  guard 

My  memory ;  let  my  Sister  shed  the  tear 

And  cut  her  tresses  o'er  my  vacant  grave. 

Relate  how  by  a  certain  Argive  rnaid 

I  perish 'd  at  the  bloody  altar,  sprinkled 

With  lustral  drops,  and  as  a  victim  slain: 

Nor  e'er  forsake,  my  Sister,  tho'  you  see  (18) 

Your  kindred,  and  my  Father's  house,  o'erwhelui^d 

With  desolation.     Now  farewell  for  ever ! 

For  I  in  you  the  dearest  friend  have  fouud. 

O  my  lov'd  comrade  in  the  sylvan  chase. 

With  whom  in  early  childhood  I  was  nurtured. 

The  faithful  partner  of  my  various  toils. 

But  Phoebus,  that  prophetic  God,  deceiv*d  us; 

Expert  in' each  equivocating  art. 

He  drove  me  to  these  distant  shores,  asham'd 

Of  his  past  oracles.     I  to  his  guidance 

Myself  abandon'd  wholly,  and  with  zeal 

Obey'd  his  voice,  when  I  my  Mother  slew: 

But  now  [  am  requited  with  destruction. 

(18)  ofwv  here  claims  a  place  in  the  stead  oivs^;,  which  seems  to  have 
been  a  mere  blundering  repetition  of  icfo^  in  the  preceding  line,  opw  be- 
ing inserted  on  the  authority  of  a  concurrence  of  manuscripts  (as  they 
both  inform  us)  by  Mr.  Markland  and  Dr.  Musgrave :  in  Uie  reply  of 
Pykides,  twelve  lines  further,  <rt  &  cpdco;  are  substituted  for  ^m  &  cpput 
«a  the  same  testimonies,  with  the  ad<fition  of  the  coi^ectvre  of  Reiskius. 


iM^^i... 


192    ,  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

PYLADES. 

To  thee  sepulchral  honours  shall  be  paid. 
Nor  will  1  e*er  forsake  thj  Sister's  bed, 
O  my  unhappy  friend.     The  love  I  bore 
To  thee,  while  living,  shall  become  more  fervent 
Beyond  the  grave.     But  the  response  pronouncM 
By  Phoebus  hath  not  utterly  destroy'd  thee, 
Tho'  on  the  verge  of  slaughter  thou  art  placed. 
For  from  great  woes  great  changes  oft  arise 
If  Fortune  thus  ordain. 

ORESTES. 

No  more.    To  me 
TTis  now  of  no  avail  that  I  obey'd  ^       .    . 

The  Delian  God's  oracular  behest:  v  r^   a^" 

For  lo  the  Priestess  issues  from  the  fane.  ^itS^\  ■ 

IPHIGENIA,  ORESTES,  PYLADES,  CHORUS. 

IPHIGENIA,  to  the  Guards. 

Go,  and  prepare  within  whate'er  is  needful 
For  those  v\4io  o'er  this  ministry  of  blood 
Are  destin'd  to  preside.     These  folds  contain 
My  letter :  but  this  one  commission  more  ^ 

Have  I  to  add  ;  ye  strangers  mark  me  well: 
Under  affliction,  no  man  is  the  same. 
As  when  th'  impending  terror  is  remov'd. 
And  he  again  grows  bold.     I  therefore  dread, 
Lest  when  with  safety  from  these  shores  he  lands. 
In  his  own  country,  he  whom  I  employ 
To  bear  this  letter  to  the  Argive  realm. 
Should  be  unmindlul  of  that  sacred  trust. 

ORESTES. 

What  would'st  thou  have?  what  cares  perplex  thy  soni? 

'  IPHIGENIA. 

That  he  this  letter,  to  the  friend  I  name 
At  Argos,  will  deliver,  let  him  swear. 

ORESTES. 

But  wilt  thou  likewise  bind  thyself  by  oath? 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS,  193 

ORESTES. 

Sparing  his  life^  that  him  thou  wilt  dismiss 
from  these  Barbarian  regions. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Rightly  said : 
Else  how  from  me  these  tidings  should  he  bear? 

ORESTES.  ^ 

Bat  will  the  Scythian  King  allow  of  this  ? 

IPHIGENIA. 
With  him  can  I  prevail,  and  safe  aboard 
A  ship  your  comrade  will  myself  convey. 

ORESTES. 

Now  swear/  my  Pylades  :  but  first  do  thou, 

0  Virgin,  dictate  a  most  solemn  oath. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Engage  to  bear  this  letter  to  my  friends. 

\  FYLADES.  ^    . 

\   I  to  your  friends  this  letter  will  present. 

IPHIGENIA. 

On  this  condition,  from  Cyanean  rocks 

1  vow  to  set  you  free.  r\   \     w  % 

OMSWSL.     ■'^**^ 
But  say  what  God 
Wilt  thou  invoke  to  witness  what  thot  swear'st? 

IPHIGENIA. 

Diana,  in  whose  temple  I  possess 
This  holy  office. 

PYLADES. 

I,  Heaven's  aweful  King^ 
Immortal  Jove. 

IPHIGENU. 

Regardless  of  your  oath 
If  you  betray  me, 

PYLADES. 

Ne*er  may  I  return  : 
But  if  you  save  me  not. 

YOL.  II.  O 


4P4  IPHIOENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

IPHIGENIA. 

My  natiTe  sLoreB 
Of  Argos  may  I  never  live  to  irt  ad ! 

PYLABE8. 

To  a  material  circumstance  attend 
Which  'scap'd  our  notice. 

IPHieENIA. 

If  in  tbt9  ariglitl 
You  speak,  my  former  vo^s  will  I  renew« 

PYLADES, 

To  me  this  one  exemption  yet  allow. 
If  aught  befall  the:  ship,  if  in  the  wave* 
The  letter  be  ingulph*d,  and  I  escape 
With  life  alone,  me  from  the  oath  release* 

IPHIGENIA. 

My  purpose  know  yon  not  ?  since  mxay  daiig^H 
Attend  the  many  in  their  mid  career. 
All  that  the  letter's  secret  folds  contam, 
I  will  in  words  repeat,  that  to  my  friends  * 
You  may  disclose ;  we  hence  shall  be  secure 
From  danger,  for  if  haply  you  preserve 
What  I  have  written^  tho'  in  silent  language. 
Will  each  particular  be  hence  made  known. 
But  should  this  letter  vanish,  swaHowM  up 
By  the  devouring  billows,  if  you  'scape 
With  life,  you  will  remember  my  behests. 

PYLADES. 
Full  well  have  you  decided  m  this  mattes 
As  to  the  Gods  and  me  :  but  say  to  whom 
At  Argos  I  this  letter  must  convey,  * 

What  verbal  message  to  your  friends  relate  ? 

IPHIGENIA. 

Inform  Orestes,  Agamemnon's  son. 
That  she^  his  Sister,  who  at  Aulk'  bay 
Was  as  a  chosen  victim  offer'd  up ; 
That  Iphigenia  lives,  and  sends  him  this, 
Tho'  to  her  friends  and  to  faei*  country  dead. 


IPHIGENU  IN  TAURIS.  igi 

ORESTCS. 

But^  ah,  where  is  she,  from  the  grave  returned  ? 

IPHICfENIA. 

Your  eyes  e*en  now  behold  her.    While  I  speak, 
Forbear,  and  interrupt  not.    "  To  the  realm 
"  Of  Argos,  O  my  Brother,  ere  I  die, 
*^  Conduct  me  from  these  loath'd  Barbarian  shores^ 
'^  And  place  thy  hapless  Sister,  place  me  far 
*'  From  Dian's  altars  red  with  human  gore, 
*'  Where  I  the  stranger  am  ordain'd  to  slay." 

O  Pylades,  what  answer  shall  I  make  i 
Where  are  we  ? 

IPHIGENIA. 

"  Else  to  thy  devoted  house 
''  Will  I  become  a  vengeful  Fiend,  know  this, 
*'  Orestes."    Twice  have  I  pronounced  the  name. 
That  you  may  learn  'tis  he  of  whom  J  speak^ 

Ye  righteous  Gods ! 

IPHIGENIA. 

But  wherefore  thus  invoke 
The  Gods  on  my  account  ?  -. 

No  matter;  finish 
The  tale  you  have  begun :  I  in  that  moment 
Was  wandering :  but  O  let  me  question  you, 
And  we  shall  trace  a  series  of  events 
Surpassing  credibility. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Say  how 
Diana,  atreful  Goddess,  sav'd  my  life, 
By  placing  on  her  altar  in  my  stead 
A  Hind,  (which  by  my  Sire  was  slain,  who  deem'd 
That  in  my  bosom  He  had  plung'd  the  sword). 
And  bore  me  to  this  land.     Such  is  my  message, 
The  same  too  in  my  letter  is  contained, 

o  2 


196  IPHIGENTA  IN  TAURIS. 

PYLADES. 

O  what  an  easy  oath  have  you  impos'd! 
Sworn  to  perform  an  honourable  task, 
I  will  not  loiter,  but  this  very  moment 
Accomplish  my^ engagement.     Here,  behold> 
This  letter  from  thy  Sister,  I  to  ihee 
Deliver,  O  Orestes. 

ORESTES. 
I  receive 
The  acceptable  gift:  but  ere  I  break 
Its  folds,  allow  me  to  indulge  a  joy 
Beyond  the  reach  of  language  to  express. 
Thee,  O  my  dearest  Sister,  who  art  smittea 
With  such  astonishment  as  equals  mine, 
I  in  these  arms  infold,  while  with  delight 
Confounded,  I  thy  wondrous  tale  have  heardi.J   i: 

CHORUS.  y.      '^J^ 

Stranger,  it  ilDbecomes  thee  to  approach  yy^vSP*^^ 
The  Priestess,  and  pollute  her  sacred  robe 
With  thy  unhallow'd  touch. 

ORESTES. 

My  Sister,  sprung 
From  Agamemnon,  fjom  one  common  Sire, 
Turn  not  away  from  me  ;  thou  hast,  thou  hast 
A  Brother,  tho'  thou  ne'er  could'st  have  expected 
To  see  him  more.  « 

IPHIGENIA. 

Are  you  indeed  my  Brother  ? 
Will  you  not  cease  to  boast  so  fond  a  name? 
In  Argos  near  the  Nauplian  coast  he  dwells. 

ORESTES. 

Thou,  hapless  virgin,  hast  no  Brother  there* 

IPHIGENIA.  . 

From  Spartan  Clytemnestra  did  you  spring?        »     * 

ORESTES.; 

To  Pelops*  Grandson  too  I  owe  my  birth. 


<  f 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  197 

IPHIGENIA* 

What  eay  yoa  ?  can  yob  give  me  any  proof 
Of  this? 

I<««aa^  propose  to  me  some  question 
Relating  to  the  mansion  of  our  Sire. 

IPHIOENU.  ' 

You  it  behoves  to  speak,  and  me  to  hear* 

ORESTES. 

Speak  then  I  will :  first  listen  to  the  tale 
Which  from  Electra  I  have  heard :.  thou  know'st, 
O  Sister,  what  abhorr'd  di^sention  rose 
'Twixt  Atreus  and  Thj^este?. 

JPHIGENIA. 

Ott  I  heard, 
How  they  contended  for  the  golden  Ram. 

ORESTES. 

And  canst  thou  not  remember  that  this  tale 
In  rich  embroidery  er^t  thou  didst  express  ? 

IPHIGENIA. 

My  dearest  Brother,  you  a  topic  start 
Which  wounds  my  inmost  soul. 

-  GREBES.  : 

There  too  the  Sun 
Turn'd  back  his  steedi?. 

IPHIGENIA. 
My  shuttle  also  form'd 
This  variegated  texture  of  the  loom. 

ORESTES. 

Yet  more,  at  Aulis,.  Clytemnestjra  pour'd 
The  laver  on  thy  head. 

IPHIGENIA. 
Full  well  I  know 

•  '  *   • 

She  did :  for  luckless  were  my  spousal  rites» 

ORESTES. 

'  But  to  thy  Mother  why  didst  thou  direct 
Thy.  tresses  should  be  borne  ? 


198  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

IPHIOENIA. 

That  in  my  steady 
For  a  memorial  in  the  silent  grave 
Them  she  might  lodge. 

ORESTES. 

Indisputable  tokenB 
Which  these  eyes  saw,  are  those  of  which  I  speak; 
The  spear  which  Pelops  bore  when  erst  he  won 
Hippodamia^  after  he  had  siain 
Oenomaus,  hangs  in  th'  innermost  recess    , 
(19)  Of  thy  apartments. 

IPHIOENIA. 

You,  my  lov'd  Orestc«, 
For  you  still,  still  the  same,  are  to  my  soul 
Ever  most  welcome,  I  again  possess. 
Our  only  hope,  who  from  our  native  land 
From  Argos,  O  my  dearest  Brother,  came, 

ORESTES. 

Once  more  I  clasp  my  Iphigenia,  deem'd 
A  lifeless  shade :  tears  different  far  from  those 
Which  mourners  shed,  and  sorrows  mixM  with  joy 
Bedew  thine  eyes  and  mine. 

IPHIGENIA. 

But  him  while  yet 
He  was  a  child,  him  clinging  to  the  arms 
Of  a  fond  Nurse  (20),  at  home  Ileft  behind. 

'^  (19)  As  the  English  reader  may  possibly  not  perceive  at  fint  ai^  lA 
''  the  force  of  this  piece  of  evidence  prodacied  by  Orestes,  upon  wilicfa 
"  Iphigenia  immediately  acknoM^Iedges  him  for  her  Brother;  it  may  be 
'^  proper  to  inform  him,  ^lat  the  Grecian  women,  especially  Vii'ginSji 
^  were  kept  with  great  strictness  and  reserve  in  separate  and  retiRNi 
'^  apartments,  into  which  no  man,  except  their  nearest  relations,  such  a* 
''  fathers  or  Brothers,  were  permitted  to  enter.  Orestes  therefoie,  by 
''  givuig  this  proof  of  his  having  l)een  in  Iphigenia's  apartment,  proves 
^  himself  to  be  her  Brother  m  so  convincing  a  manner,  that  she  ntti|iedi< 
**  ately  embraces  him,  and  weeps  for  joy,*       West. 

(20)  <<  Pindar  calls  this  N«irs§  of  Oceates,  Ai^sinoe;  bq(  Vktruifim 
^*  gives  her  the  name  of  Laodamia:  j^gysthus  slew  |)er  son,  either  ^uak^ 
if  ins  that  he  had  caught  Orestes,  or cmged whli tile motbct tf'iftif 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  199 

c>w,  O  my  soal,  bevond  the  power  of  words 
^st  as  thoQ  art,  shall  I  declare  thy  transports? 
ill  more  than  miracles  are  these  events, 
quite  surpass  all  Iangaas:e« 

ORESTES, 

May  we  both 
^Cenceforth  together  lead  an  happy  lu'e! 

IPHIGENIA. 

An  unexpected  pleasure,   O  my  friends;, 
Slave  I  experienced,  tho*  e'en  now  I  dread 
liest  bursting  from  these  arms,  he  to  the  realms 
Of  ether  take  his  flit^ht      Ye  mansions  reared 
By  the  fam'd  Cyclops,  O  my  native  land, 
My  dear  Mycene,  [,  to  yod,  for  life 
Am  thankful,  and  the  nurture  ye  bestow'd; 
Since  ye  train'd  up  this  generous  Brother  too 
To  $hed  new  light  on  Aiiamemnon's  house. 

ORESTES. 

We  in  the  noble  race  from  which  we  sprung 
Are  fortunate,  mv  Sist  t,  tho^  our  lives 
Have  been  to  tnany  grievous  ills  es^pos'd* 

IPHIGENIA. 

This,  wretched  I  ex|>erienc'd,  o^er  my  neck 
When  my  unhappy  Sire  the  falchion  wav'd. 

ORESTES, 

Ah  me !  tho'  I  was  absent,  jet  I  sciem 
As  if  I  saw  thee  there^ 

IPHIGENIA. 

Instead  of  wedding 
Achilles,  O  my  Brother,  to  that  tent 
Th'  abode  of  treacherous  wolves  was  I  convey'd. 

^  boy  for  having  secretly  removed  him.  Her^  it  16  i^foper  to  mark  ottt 
^  a  gfois  diror  of  the  very  learned  Benedictus,  the  Latin  translator  of 
^  Pindar,  who  calls  Orestes  a  child  of  three  years  old  at  the  time  lie 
•*  was  rescued  from  death ;  not  recollecting  that  he  was  bom  before 
**  the  Trojan  war,  as  is  evident  from  Homer,  II.  L.  9.  v.  14!:?,  and  Uiat 
^  Agamemnon  was  not  slain  till  after  the  conclnsion  of  that  wwr,  whidi 
*  tested  for  ten  years.**    Barnes. 


^QO  IPHIGENIA  IN  TACRIS. 

Before  the  very  altar  tears  gush'd  forth, 
And  bitter  plaints  disgrac'd  th'  unholy  rite: 
Alas,  how  dreadfjal  were  those  lustral  streams  I 

ORESTES. 

The  rash  unnatural  crime  my  Father  d^r'd 
To  perpetrate,  I  too  hav«  wail'd. 

IPHIGENIA. 

The  doom 
Which  I  experienc'd,  with  paternal  love 
Was  sure  most  incoiisistent. 

ORESTES.  ' 

From  events 
Jiike  these,  what  wondrous  consequences  rise ! 
But  if,  O  hapless  Virgin,  thou  hadst  slain 
Thy  Brother,  by  some  ruthless  Demon  urgfd, 
A  crime  thus  horrible  had  made  thee  wretched. 

IPHIGJSNU. 

Atrocious,  O  my  Broth/er,  was  the  deed 
I  had  resoly'd  on :  from  ari  impious  death 
How  narrowly,  ^las !  have  you  escap'd. 
From  a  misguided  Sisterfs  bloody  hand ! 
Where,  after  these  miraculous  events. 
Can  we  expect  an  end  to  our  distress  i 
Wtiat  fortune  will  attend  me,  or  what  schemes 
Shall  I  devise,  to  forward  your  escape 
From  these  domains,  and  from  impending  slaughter. 
To  our  lov'd  native  Argos^  ere  the  sword 
Be  with  your  gore  distain'cf  ?  '^Unhappy  youth. 
On  you  'tis  now  incumbent  to  weigh  well. 
If  on  dry  land,  unaided  by  a  bark. 
You  on  the  swiftness  of  your  feet  aloqe 
Relying,  rather  ought  to  hazard  life 
Encompass'd  by  Barbarian  tribes,  and  journeying 
O'er  wilds  untrodden  :  if  you  strive  to  glide 
Twixt  the  Cyanean  rocks,  their  narrow  pass, 
And  afterwards  a  length  of  watery  waste 
Threatens  the  mariner.    Ah  me,  unbiest ! 


■'c  1 


!-.  * 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAtJRiS.  fiOl 

What  tutelary  God,  what  human  aid,    '  •    ' 

Or  unexpected  chance,  along  the  road,  .'  .   •   i 

Now  deem'd  impervious,  will  direct  out-  flight, 

And  to  us  two,  of  Atreus^  princely  house     ^  ■•    -        * 

(2 1 )  The  only  wretched  relics,  ope  some  gate 

To  save  us  from  destruction?       .  ;     .  /  '*     1 

CHORUS.  '       ' 

What  these  eyes 
Behold,  and  these  astonish'd  ears  hnve  hear'd, 

(       As  truly  wondrous,  and  surpassing  att-        ^f) -^  ^  a1*^ 
\  That  fiction  can  devise,  will.  I  •  relate. 

^^-.  PYLADES.  O 

When  friends  again  with  transport  vifcw  the  faic*    *  ' 
Of  those  they  love,  Orestejs,  it  is  fit 
They  in  their  arms  each  other  ^should  infbid :    • 
But  check  the  streaming  tear,  and  rather  think 
How  we  a  blest  deliverance  may  obtain, 
And  quit  with  glory  this  Barbarian  realm : 
For  it  behoves  the  wise  man  not  to  slight  ■•  ' 

His  opportunity  when  Fortune  smiles. 

ORESTES. 
Well  hast  thou  spoken.     Fortune  will,  I  trust, 
With  us  co-operate  :  for  the  Gods  bestow 
Their  aid  on  those  who  with  undaunted  soul 
Exert  themselves.  n*      .  i     ••. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Yetshall  not  aughtj  ot  cheeky 

(21)  *'  Piergpfi  observes  that  Orestes  and  Ipbigenia  canno^  properly 
**  be  called  the  only  relics  of  the  house  of  Atreus,  because  felectra  also 
^  ^as  yet  hving :  but  the  same^  macciifacy  adopted  by  Sophocles  in  his 
*'  Antigone^  where  he  makes  that  Piinoess^.who  hod  a  liul«  bc£)re  been 
*<  conversing  with  her  Sister  Ismene,  say  .      ,  ,     , 

T>jy  fioto-iXfiav  fxuvm  XoiTnjy,     v.  952. 

"  Look  on  me  Princes,  see  tlie  last  of  all 

"  My  royal  race;**  '       Dr.  Francklin. 

^  admonishes  us  not  to  be  too  hasty  m  altering  tlie  text." 

•     '  Dr.  MVSGRA^E. 


flO«  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

•Or  cause  me  from  my  purpose  to  digress. 

Till  an  enquiry  first  I  make,  what  fate 

Hath  overtaken  EWetra;  for  the  whole  * 

Of  her  advenmtes  gladly  would  1  learn. 

ORESTES. 

To  thiA  my  friend  in  wedlock  join'd^  she  leadi 
A  prosperous  life. 

IPHIGENIA. 

But  of  what  land  is  he 
A  native^  and  whose  Son  i 

ORE8TES. 

From  Strophius,  lord 
Q(  Pb^cis'  region,  be  derives  bis  birth. 

IPHIGENU. 

And  thro*  his  Mother,  royal  (22)  Atreus*  Daughter^ 
ConoecUKi  with  our  bouse  f 

OilESTESt 

Thus  near  in  blood. 
And  the  sole  friend  on  whom  I  dare  rely. 

IPHIGENIA. 

He  was  not  born,  when  me  my  Sire  consign'd 
A  victim  to  the  altar. 

-y^  OREStES. 

*4^^-€^B^p,  he  was  not : 
]Por  Strophius  long  remained  without  a  child* 

IPHIQENIA* 
Hail,  O  tbou  Husband  of  my  Sister,  hail ! 

ORESTES, 

Jly  more  than  kinsman,  saviour  of  my  life  I 

IPHIGENIA. 

What  prompted  you  to  that  atrocious  criitie 
'Gaiust  her  who  bore  you  i 

ORESTESi 

Let  us  in  deep  silence 
Bury  that  action :  to  avenge  my  Sire* 

(29)  Anaxibiik 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  90S 

IPHIOENIA. 

But  thro'  what  motive  did  she  slay  her  Lord? 

ORESTES. 

No  more :  it  were  unfit  for  thee  to  hear 
Thy  Mother's  shame.  . 

IPHIGBNIA. 

In  silence  I  obey. 
To  you,  its  only  hope,  the  Argive  realm 
Doth  now  no  doubt  with  due  respect  attend, 

oresubs*  ^ 

The  reins  of  empire  Meoelaus  holds : 
I  am  an  exile  from  my  native  land. 

IPIQGENIA* 

Could  he,  an  Uncle,  on  our  sinking  house 
Heap  such  foul  wrong  i 

ORESTES. 

No,  but  the  Furies,  arm'd 
With  all  their  terrors,   caus'd  me  thence  to  fly, 

IPHIGENIA* 

By  them  qn  yonder  beach  you  was  assail'd^ 
For  of  your  frantic  actions  on  that  spot 
Have  I  been  told*  - 

ORESTES. 
Not  then  for  the  first  time 
This  my  disease  betray'd  itself. 

IPHIGENIA* 

Full  well 
I  understand  your  meaning,  to  avenge 
Maternal  blood,  those  Goddesses  arise. 

ORESTES. 

They  fasten'd  on  my  jaws  their  gory  curbs. 

IPHIGENIA. 

But  wherefore  did  you  land  upon  this  coast? 

ORESTES. 

At  Phoebus'  dread  oracular  behest 
I  hither  came. 


I 


204  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

IPHIGENU, 

What  action  to  perfortn  ? 
May  you  declare  it,  or  were  you  enjoin'd 
To  keep  strict  silence  ?  ' 

ORESTES.  '■•■■. 

I. will  .tell  thee  all. 
And  here  begins  a  tale  of.  ehdlesJs  woe  : 
Since  on  my  Mother  thes^  polluted  hands   -  :  .•     ' 
Aveng'd  those  crimes  which  [  forbear  to  name>      » 
Have  I,  into  a  tedious  exile  djciven, 
And  chas'd  by  Furies,  wahdierfd  thi*o*  the  world;    I'l 
Till  I,  by  Phoebus'  edicts,  loitiie  realm  :  '   i  . 

Of  Athens  was  directed  to  :Tf|jfni, 
And  jjacify  those  Goddesses  .whose  name» 
We  utter  not.     The  sacred  judgememt  seat.  •    i 
Is  there,  at  which  Jove  erst  ordain'd,  that  Mars, 
(23)  Whose  hands,  had  been  defil'd  with  recent  gore, 
Should  undergo  a  trial. ^*n  that  city   . 
When  I  riniv'd,  their  hospit9J::)le  doors 
None  op'd  with  zeal  spontaneous,  to  admit        •-'.  . 
A  stranger,  whom  they : dee m'dj^be  <j6ds  abhorr-d :    , 
Till  some,  more  courteous,  fijrnish'd  in-  their  hall' 
For  lue  a  separate  solitary  bcj^rd, 
And  underneath  the  selt-8«jrn(e.roof  abode. 
But  where  I  came,  all  cqiiyprsationiceas'd. 
None  would  associate  with  me  in  their  food, 
Or  drain  one  comu)O0  goblet;  but  to  each 
In  separate  portions  was  ^n  equal  share 
Of  wine  adniinister'd:  they  all  rejoip'd^ 


(23)  Mars  was  brought  to  a  trial  for  haying  killed  Halirotfaius  Sonctf 
Neptune,  who  nad  presumed  to  violate  Alcippe  his  Daughter  by  Aglau- 
ros:  see  the  yAectm  of  piir  Author,  v.  laeo,  Pausanias,  in  his  Attica, 
describes  the  spot  where  tiiis  ravisher  was  slain,  as  being  close  to  a  fopn- 
taiM  within  the  precincts  of  the 'temple  of  ^sculapius*  We  find  in  Apol- 
lodorii.<s  that  Mars  was  acquitted  by  the  verdict  of  the  twelve  GodB  who 
sat  hn  judgement  upon  him* 


.*♦..' tVi_ii. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURISi  £05 

But  I  presum'd  :Bot  <io  :reproaeh  my  hosts,  ■ 

And  griev'd  in  Bilence^  fcigilrng  not  to  mdrk 

The  dire  affront,  in  bitterness  of  soul 

Groaning  because  I  with  Vindictive  hand 

Had  slain  ray  Mother.     Yet' have  I  been  told, 

Among  th*  Athenian  pe(5ple>  from!  my  woes> 

An  aweful  ceremony  takes  its  rise,     - 

(24)  (Which  still  they  practice;)  where  the  bov^l  contains 

An  eqnal  quantity  («6)yvith  those  Uien  fill'd 

For  every  guest  apart.^^ut  when  I  reach'd 

The  hill  of  Mars,  my  trial  to  abide, 

One  seat  I  occupied^  (the  other  left 

For  my  accuser,  th*  elder-'born  of  Hell, 

And  pleaded  my  qwn  .causes     Apollo  heard 

How  I  was  charg'd  with  having  slain  my  Mother, 

Nor  scrupled  ^  a  witness  to  appear 

On  my  behalf,  and  sajve  me:*  for  the  votes 

Prov'd  equal,  nuraber'd  by  Minerva's  hand. 

Thus  by  that  aweful  court  I  from  the  charge 

Of  murder  was  alwolv'd.     Such  of  the  Furies 

As  acquiesc'd  in  the  decree;  resolv'd 

(26)  To  occupy  a  temple  on  the  ipot 


(24)  Mr.  West  observes  tlial  this  speech  may  be  considered  as  tlie  le- 
gendary account  of  many  civil  and  religious  customs  observed  at  Athen5, 
even  in  the  time  of  Euripides.  Here  tlie  Poet  seems  to  forget  Uie  cha- 
racter of  Orestes,  and  speak  in  his  own  person. 

(25)  x*^5'0  the  term  here  made  use  of,  which  Barnes  renders  libato- 
rium  vas,  is  in  the  translations  of  Mr.  Markl^nd  and  Dr.  Musgravc,  on 
^e  authority  of  Suidas,  quod  ^ontinet  octo  cotylas^  aut  congiarium;  iu 
English,  eight  Pints,  or  what  is  the  same  thihg^  one  gallon,  wliich  would 
lound  like  a  quantity  of  liquor  far  exceeding  the  proper  stint  for  tliose 
who  attended  a  Teligious  ceremony,  were  we  not  perpetually  reminded, 
by  Homer  and  other  antient  writers,  tliat  it  was  customary  for  large  por- 
tions of  water  to  be  mingled  with  the  wine  prepai-ed  for  tlie  Grecian 
Heroes,  who  were  by  no  means  addicted  to  inteipperance  in  their  cups. 

(26)  The  explanation  I  have  here  made  use  of  Is  that  of  Pierson,  whp 
in  a  note  on  the  word  (n^a^Mt  in  his  edition  of  Maris  Lex.  Att.  p.  35i<J,^ 
renders  \ri^  locum  ubi  suifragia  data  sunt,  and  **f9v,  templum  :  Mr.  Mark- 
land  and  Dr.  Musgrave  have  both  followed  hun :  and  he  in  a  very'safis-' 


506  IJPHIGBNU  IN/FAURIS. 

Where  judgement  was  awarded  : '  but  the  rest 
Of  their  fell  Sisterhood,  who  would  not  yield 
To  this  decision,  with  unwearied  rage 
Harrass'd  me  as  before,  till  I  repaired 
A  second  time  to  Phoebus*. hallow'd  6eat, 
And  stretcht  biefore  the  portals  of  his  fane. 
Tasting  no  food,  swore  on  that  spot  to  end 
A  miserable  life,  unless  the  God, 
Who  had  undone,  would  save.    He  with  a  loud  voice* 
Then  from  the  golden  tiipod  his  response 
Pronouncing,  hither  sent  me,  to  removej      » 
And  in  the  blest  domains  of  Athens  place. 
The  Heaven-descended  statue :  this  behest. 
On  which  he  causM  our  safety  to  depend. 
Thy  furtherance  claims :  for  if  we  can  obtain 
That  image  of  the  Goddess,  I  from  frenzy 
Shall  be  delivered,  and  with  prosperous  sails 
Convey  thee  to  Mycene's  distant  coast. 
But,  O  my  dearest,  dearest  Sister,  save 
Thy  Father's  house,  thy  wretched  Brother  save. 
For  I,  and  the  remains  of  Pelops*  race. 
Are  ruin'd  utterly,  unless  we  seize 
The  statue  which  descended  from  the  skies. 

CHORUS, 

Some  dire  resentment  of  offended  Heaven 
Against  the  seed  of  Tantalus  yet  burns,  r 
And  hurries  them  amidst  incessant  toils.     r\  '- 

factory  manner  establishes  tlie  propriety  of  the  sense  he  gives  these  wonjby. 
hy  referring  to  the  Electra  of  our  Author,  v.  1270 :  the  Enmenides  o^ 
^chylus,  ^here  Minerva,  from  v.  894  to  the  close  of  the  piece,  rqieat- 
edly  mentions  that  divine  worship  should  be  paid  the  Furies  ip  a.temple 
appropriated  to  them  at  Athens  y  and  Pausanias,.  vriio  describes  its  q^tna- 
ation  as  being  near  an  altar  which  Orestes  on  h^  acquittal  dedicated  to 
Minerva.  In  the  Arcadica  of  the  same  writer,  we  find  accounts  of  two 
other  temples  sacred  to  the  Furies,  erected  in  memory  of  events  which 
had  happened  to  Orestes  at  the  time  of  his  wandering,  stung  with  frenzy, 
through  the  region  of  Arcadia,  previous  to  his  tjrial  at  the  Athenian  Areo- 
pagus. 


IPHIGENFA  IN  TAURI3.  fiOf 

IPHIGfeNIA. 

Before  you  hither  came,  thi»  ardent  wish 
I  form'd,  that  1  to  Argoji  might  retui-n^    :  • 
And,  O  m J  Brother,  you  again  behold.     '  - 
With  you  conspiring,  now  I  from  theve  toils 
Would  set  you  free,  and  to  ita  antient  splendour 
Restore  the  falling  mansion  of  our  Sire,   ' 
('Gainst  him  who  would  have  sacrific'd' IMS'  Child  - 
Bearing  no  enmityy)  refrftin  my  hand 
From  slaying  you,  and  si»ve  oor  wretched  house: 
Yet  tremhle  to  think  how  I  canjelude 
The  Goddess,  and  the  Monareh^'  uhen  lie  flfcidB 
A  viicant  niche  where  erst  ih^  Statue  stood. 
To  'scape  from  d^ath,  wi>at  plausible  excuse 
Shall  I  allege?  but  if  you  oould  at  once 
That  image  bear  away,  and  with  it  lodge 
Me  safe  aboard  the  ship,  such  bold  exploit 
Were  glorious ;  but,  if  seizing  that,  you  leave 
Me  here  beli^ind,  I  certainly  must  perish. 
While  you,  accomplishing' your  projectn^  reach 
The  coast  of  Argos :  yefrl  shun  no  toils, 
Not  death  itself,  if  I  ydwc  Uf^  dan  save. 
For  when  a  man,  the  heir  of  mighty  thrones. 
Expires,  he  falls  regretted,'  but  aur  sex 
Are  deem'd  of  little  worth.>:i  :^=     i  -.    ' 

ORESTE&.:   •  » 

:Let  me  not  add 
Thy  murder  to  the  guilt  of  having  slain 
Our  Mother,  'tis  enough  that  with  her  blood 
I  have  defil'd  these  hands.     I  would  concur 
With  thee  in  the  san^eigenia-oiis  vie^sy  aAd  share 
Either  in  life  or  d^ath  oue  common  fate. 
(fff}  For  if.i6^lK;^s^  s^tm^  wy  bol4  erypri^, 

(27)  Tbc  oiigiiial  jreauling  o^  tlfe  Aftlus'  iidiiion  ymf? '  %  "taj\  manMt 
irc^,  estiamsi  ct  ipse  hic  QC^umbam,  is  so  evidently  tkultjr,  a/s  to  givt ' 
rue  to  a  Tariety  of  ronjeptfral  altei^ti<^ :  Barnes  hM*«  cl^s^ed  wrt^  jtttf 


208  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

Thee  to  our  native  land  will  I  conduct. 

If  not,   lie  stret-cht  beside  thee  in  the  grav€. 

Hear  my  opinion ;  if  to  chaste  Diana 

Our  project  had  given  umbrage,  why,  should  Phcebus. 

Command  me,  by  an  oracle,  to  bear  ';  !  . ; 

The  image  o£  that  Goddess  to  the  city  .  »    / 

Where  Pallas  isador'di  6t  suffer  me 

Thy  faqe,  ,my  de$u-eSt  Sister,  to  behold  ?       <    !  ^ ' 

From  every  circumstance,  together  weigh'd, 

I  trust  that  we.  with.sa-fety  shall  return* 

IPHIGfiNIA/ 

How  cap.  we  *scape  from  deaths  and  how  attain        ! 
The  object  of. our  wishes?  -O  reflect,  *. 

Whether  a  voyage  homeward  on  such  terms:   :  ,.        ■  !* 
Be  feasible:  my  zeal  indeed  is  great.  I  i; .   - 

.      OR£ST£S.  ;..i!:'    ..    i'f 

Shall  we  be  able  to  dispatch. the  King  ?  ;  -  ♦ 

IPHIG£NIA.  .  ^ 

There's  danger,  in  the  scheme  you  haVe  pro^os'd>    ': 
For  foreigners  to  slay  their  royal. host. ,.  v    .  ,.    l\ 

.     ORESTES.;.    :■  ...^.■.  'to  ■  .  .    .•    •.    ^' 

But  if  'twill  save  us  both,  we  ought  to  face 
The  danger.    ,  .«.  i     • 

.JPHIGENIA.  1  ^  . 

This  I  caniiot  do  f  y€t  praise 
Your  enterprising  spirit..  .- 

ORESTES. 

In  the  fane. 
Suppose  thou  place  me  from  all  eyes  conceal'd. 

IPHIGENIA.      : 

That  we,  when  darkness  favours,  may  Escape.  -     ' . .    . 

nv  fx}|,  Mr.  Markland  x*  av7o;  into  ^y\  *tJ}osi  but  Dr.  Mnsgrave.  y^ 
justly  observes  that  the  sense  hereby  becOraeiB  Bxa^y  tfa^'  nmJ  miA 
n  cry  %ttft9oanut  fjum  fjula  in  the  next  line,  has  (as  appears  to  me)  more 
happily  substituted  in  his  note  cv  to  ye,  for  x'  av^y  and  rendered  tins 
passage  a  res  hie  |>ene  ceciderint,  which  at  once  removes  the  inconsbt* 
ency  of  the  antient  reading,  and  the  tau^logy  of  some  later  editon 
who  have  made  injudicious  attempts  to  correct  it. 


•  >  r 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  £09 

ORESTES.  4 

Night  is  the  season  fit  for  treacherous  deeds; 
But  truth  prefers  the  clearest  beams  of  day. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Priests  watch  within  ;   nor  can  we  hope  t*  elude 
Their  vigilance. 

ORESTES. 

We  utterly  are  ruin'd  ! 
Alas  !  what  hope  of  safety  yet  remains  ? 

IPHIGENIA. 

A  fresh  discovery  I  methinks  have  made. 

ORESTES. 

What  meanest  thou  f   tell  me,  for  I  wish  to  know 
Thy  projects. 

IPHIGENIA. 

To  deceive  them,  of  your  woes  (28) 
Will  I  avail  myself. 

ORESTES. 

Sure  women  frame 
Their  stratagems  with  most  surprising  art. 

IPHIGENIA. 

That,  having  slain  your  Mother,  I  will  say. 
You  hither  fled  from  Argos. 

ORESTES. 

Make  what  use^ 
Thou  canst  of  my  aflSictions,  if  in  aught 
They  serve  thy  interests. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Nor  is  it  allowed 
To  offer  up  such  victims  to  the  Goddess. 

(28)  l%e  reading  of  omaic,  iiirore,  vas  so  harsh  and  iU-foited  to  tiie 
eootexty  that  Brodsns  renders  it  culpa  ac  crimine,  Carmelli  attempts  to 
-ffMoncile  him  and  Barnes,  by  saying,  in  his  note,  furores  erant  mala  ex 
erimine  prof^cta:  but  these  palliations  are  now  become  needless,  as 
'  Mr.  Markland  and  Dr.  Musgrave  have  established  etttme,  infortunio,  on 
the  authority  of  three  manuscripts :  and  what  follows  shews  that  Iplfige- 
aia  had  not  the  least  intention  to  avail  herself  of  the  Madnesf,  but  of  th« 
mS^m'iMimt  of  her  Brother. 

VOL.  II.  P 


210  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

ORESTES. 

What  cause  allege?  for  I  suspect  in  part. 

IPHIGENIA. 

That  you  are  still  impure,  but  shall  be  slain 
When  sanctified  by  due  religious  rites. 

ORESTES. 

How  can  this  aid  us  to  bear  off  the  statue? 

IPHIGENIA. 

You  will  I  cleanse  in  ocean's  Austral  waves. 

.ORESTES  (29). 

Remains  that  image  yet  within  the  fane. 
For  which  we  hither  sail'd  ? 

IPHIGENL4. 

And  must  be  washed. 
Since  by  thy  touch  polluted,  will  I  add. 

ORESTES. 

Mean'st  thou  to  bear  it  to  the  craggy  shore. 
Still  moisten'd  by  the  foaming  surge  ? 

IPHIGENIA. 

Where  lies 
Your  ship  at  anchor. 

ORESTES. 

Whom  wilt  thou  appoint 
To  carry  it  ?  . 

IPHIGENIA. 

Myself :  for  I  alone 
The  sacred  pledge  may  handle. 

ORESTES. 

In  this  murder  (30) 
What  share  shall  we  to  Pylades  assign  ? 

(«9)  Tbe  alteratioiis  of  fir*  for  fisT  «t  tii«  conuMnoMnMl  «f  flai 
-finey  and  f»  for  ipd,  at  Uie  dote,  of  the  mxt,  whidi  imttpiiny  aitier 
the  sense,  and  therefore  require  to  benetked,  are  adopted oa  the  aama 
antiioiities  with  the  readhig  which  is  mentioned  in  the  iiiitii  iiaianliBtnlj , 
preeeding. 

.  .(30)  TheyeiyaeedlesBco^iectiuxlaltentioaswhidi.IfiiM^ 
by  Brodaeus,  Canterus,  ScaKger,  and  Dr.MMffKve,  t^fi^AfifmM^ 


r  .U 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  113 

CHORUS. 

Take  courage;  the  sole  object  of  thy  care 
Be  thy  own  safety,  O  my  dearest  mistress': 
The  secret  which  to  me  thou  hast  entrusted. 
Shall  never  be  reveal'd :  (32)  imperial  Jove 
I  call  to  witness. 

IPHIGENIA. 

May  each  bliss  attend  ^ 

These  generous  words  !     It  tiow  behoves  you  both 
To  go  into  the  temple  :  fur  the  King 
Of  these  domains  will  in  a  moment  come, 
To  make  enquiry  if  these  foreign  youths 
Are  sacrific'd.     Most  venerable  Goddess, 
.  Who  erst,  at  Aulis'  wind  in.;  bay  didst  snatch 
Thy  votary  from  a  Father's  cruel  arm 
Uplifted  to  destroy  me,  now  protect  ' 
Both  me  and  these  ;  else  will  Apollo's  voice 
Thro'  thee  by  mortals  be  no  more  esteem'd 
For  its  veracity.     But  O  depart 
With  us  from  these  abhorred  Barbarian  realms 
Propitious,  and  to  Athens  speed  thy  course  : 
For  here  it  ill  becomes  thee  to  reside, 
When  that  blest  city  opens  wide  the  gates 
Of  holier  fanes  impatient  to  receive  thee. 

[Exei/uMPHiGENrA,  ORESTRS,  and  pylades.  >  i 

(3^)  Lord  Roscbmmon,  in  a  note  on  <*  ille  tegat  commissa,"  swb- 
jonied  to  his  translation  of  Horace's  Art  of  Poetry,  observes,  that  the 
nile  is  not  so  general  but  it  ms^y  admit  of  some  exception;  and  after 
equally  blaming  tlie  Corinthian  women  for  concealing  Medea's  irairder 
of  her  children,  and  the  Chorus  in  Ion  for  betrayiig  the  secret  of  Xutous 
to  Crensa,-  adds ;  *^  but'  I  can  much  less  forgive  Euiipides  Hot  the 
''  treachery  committed  in  Iphigenia  in  Tauris ;  the  Chorus  is  composed 
**  of  Grecian  women,  and  this  Princess  begs  t*tem  to  tell  uobqt.y  ot'  her 
**  plan  to  carry  off  the  statue  of  Diana,  prombing  to  take  them  with 
"  her.  Tho  women  are  faithful  to  her,  and  yrt  she  flics  away  ali-ne  with 
**  Orestes,  and  abandons  them  to  the  rage  of  Thoas,  who  would  cer- 
**  tainly  hvfe  leverely  punished  them,  had  not  Minerva  came  to  their 
"  deliverance**' 


212  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

To  you  with  itedfast  hope  I  raise  my  eyes. 

On  you  depends  it  whether  I  with  bliss 

Shall  be  attended,  or  redue'd  to  nothing, 

Torn  from  my  country,  from  my  Brother  torn. 

And  this  our  (31)  Kinsman.     Thus  begins  my  speech. 

Since  we  are  women,  prone  to  mutual  love, 

And  stedfast  in  the  cause  of  our  whole  sex, 

My  schemes  divulge  not,  and  with  generous  zeal 

Conspire  to  aid  my  flight.     The  tongue  deserves 

Great  praise  when  with  fideh'ty  endued. 

But  mark  how  Fortune,    by  one  single  act. 

To  our  paternal  regions  may  restore. 

Or  visit  with  immediate  death,   us  three 

The  dearest  friends.     But  if  I  hence  escape. 

That  you  in  our  prosperity  may  share. 

Hence  will  I  waft  you  to  the  Grecian  coast. 

But  O,  by  friendship's  plighted  hand,  those  cheeks, 

Those  knees,  and  every  fond  connection  left 

At  your  own  homes,  by  Mother,  hoary  Sire, 

And  Children,  if  among  you  there  are  those 

Who  boast  the  name  of  Parent;  I  implore 

Both  you,  and  you,  and  all.     Reply,  who  grants. 

Or  who  rejects  my  prayer  ?  if  ye  consent  not 

To  aid  the  scheme  I  have  proposed,  myself 

And  my  unhappy  Brother  too  must  perish. 


(31)  Tlie  expression  of  Tf«f  rug  (ptXraivf,  five  lines  lower,  leaves  little 
room  to  doubt  ttiat  the  word  avfyow  relates  to  Pylades,  and  is  pro- 
perly translated  by  Barnes  cognato ;  but  Mr.  Markland  and  Dr.  Miis- 
grave  are  of  opinion,  that  it  ou^'lit  to  be  understood  of  Orestes,  and 
rendrred  fratre,.  in  order  to  eflfect  which,  they  are  forced  to  alter  ^Om 
oifX^,  in  the  beginning  of  the  line,  into  f tXu;  ait)^^  and  iq>ply  it.  to 
Electra.  ii/fywof,  no  doubt,  signifies  either  "  a  Brother"  or  •*  a  Kins- 
man,** and  in  the  interpretation  of  ambiguous  words,  every  man  is  at 
liberty  to  choose  for  himself,  without  violating  the  context ;  bat  a  double 
alteration,  without  the  smallest  authority  quoted  in  its  support,  merely 
for  the  sake  of  twisting  the  version  according  to  it,  will  naturally  incur 
the  strongest  suspicions  of  being  -erroneous. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  t\3 

CHORUS. 

Take  courage;  the  sole  object  of  thy  care 
Be  thy  own  safety,  O  my  dearest  mistress': 
The  secret  which  to  me  thou  hast  entrusted. 
Shall  never  be  reveal'd :  (32)  imperial  Jove 
I  call  to  witness. 

IPHIGENIA. 
May  each  bliss  attend  ^ 

These  generous  words  !     It  now  behoves  you  both 
To  go  into  the  temple  :  fur  the  King 
Of  these  domains  will  in  a  moment  come, 
To  make  enquiry  if  these  foreign  youths 
Are  sacrific'd.     Most  venerable  Goddess, 
Who  erst,  at  Aulis'  wimlln.^  bay  didst  snatch 
Thy  votary  from  a  Father's  cruel  arm 
Uplifted  to  destroy  me,  now  protect  ' 
Both  me  and  these  ;  else  will  Apollo's  voice 
Thro'  thee  by  mortals  be  no  more  esteem'd 
For  its  veracity.     But  O  depart 
With  us  from  these  abhorred  Barbarian  realms 
Propitious,  and  to  Athens  speed  thy  course  : 
For  here  it  ill  becomes  thee  to  reside, 
When  that  blest  city  opens  wide  the  gates 
Of  holier  fanes  impatient  to  receive  thee. 

[Exei/uMPHiGENrA,  ORESTES,  and  pylades.' 

(3^)  Lord  Roscommon,  in  a  note  on  <*  ille  tegat  commissa,*'  sub- 
joioed  to  his  translation  of  Horace's  Art  of  Poetry,  observes,  that  the 
mle  is  not  so  general  but  it  mi\y  admit  of  $gme  exception ;  and  after 
equally  blaming  tlie  Corinthian  women  for  concealing  Medea's  murder 
tf  her  children,  and  the  Chorus  in  Ion  for  betrayi.ig  tlie  secret  of  Xutnus 
to  Crensa,  adds;  ^  but' I  can  much  less  forgive  Euiipideg  Hot  Ihe 
"  treachery  committed  in  Iphigenia  in  Tauris ;  the  Chorus  is  composed 
**  of  Grecian  women,  and  this  Princess  begs  t'lem  to  tell  uobqi^y  ot'  her 
^  plan  to  carry  off  the  statue  of  Diana,  promising  to  take  thom  v^ith 
**  her.  TIm  women  are  faithfiil  to  her,  and  yrt  slie  flics  away  2luw*  with 
"  Orestes,  and  abandons  them  to  tl;e  rage  of  Thoas,  who  would  cer- 
^  tainly  hai«  leverely  punished  them,  had  not  Minerva  came  to  their 
**  deliveraQO-e." 


414  IPHflGENIA  IN  tAUftlS. 

CH0RU8. 

ODE. 

1.1. 

O  restles3  bird,  in  midway  air 
Still  hovering  round  where  pointed  cliffs  arise, 

Thy  song,  fond  Halcyon,  to  the  wise. 
For  Ceyx*  death,  expresses  thy  despair. 

With  wings  unfurnish'd,  yet  to  thee 

Justly  compared  for  hopeless  woe. 
The  peopled  realms  of  Greece  I  long  to  see. 
Long  to  attend  Diana,  who  the  bow 

On  Cynthus  twangs,  long  for  the  shade 

'i  lie  palm  and  laurel's  foliage  braid. 
Which  on  the  sacred  mountain  grows 
Luxuriant,  and  the  olive's  vernal  bloom 
Diffusing  o'er  the  lake  a  rich  perfume. 
Where  from  the  dying  Swan  th'  harmonious  cadence 

flows. 

L    2. 

• 

Adown  my  cheeks  streamed  many  a  tear, 
When  rapine's  sons,   an  unrelenting  band. 

The  turrets  of  our  native  land 
O'erthrew  with  conquering  fleet  and  hostile  spear :    ' 
Sold  for  a  price  I  hither  came, 
Where  curst  Barbarian  laws  prevail. 
By  Iphigenia  with  indignant  shame 
Employ'd  in  tasks  which  shuddering  I  bewail: 
To  her  whose  shafts  transfix  the  hind, 
Here  human  victims  are  consigned. 
And  here  I  still  bemoan  my  wretched  state. 
There  are  who  to  affliction  long  inur'd, 
Till  fortune  change,  its  burden  have  endured. 
But  sorrows  after  bliss  embitter  man's  hard  fate. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  215 

II.   1. 

Thee,  sacred  Virgin,   from  these  shores 
(33)  Aq  Argive  bark  exulting  shall  convey, 

And  Pan's  shrill  flute  with  rustic  lay, 
Cheer  the  bold  crew  that  ply  their  dashing  oars, 

Apolio  too,  the  Seer,  shall  sing. 

And  wake  the  lyre  with  magic  hand ; 
Till 'midst  auspicious  melody  he  bring 
Thy  vessel  to  the  rich  Athenian  land  :. 

Thus  shall  the  jocund  nautic  train 

For  thee  divide  the  azure  main. 
In  these  bleak  regions  leaving  me  behind. 
Soon  o'er  the  waves  thy  prosperous  bark  shall  ridei 
From  the  tall  mast  th'  extended  cordage  glide, 
And  swelling  sti-eamers  wanton  in  the  amorous  wind* 

II.  2. 

O  that  these  tardy  feet  could  spring 
To  that  bright  circus  of  etherial  day 

Whence  Phoebus-  darts  his  ardent  ray  ; 
Yet  would  I  cease  my  venturous  course  to  wing, 

Soon  as  I  reach'd  my  native  land, 

(5S)  **  In  Uie  original  it  is  *  a  ship  of  fifty  oars :'  the  first  vessel  of 
**  that  size  among  the  Greeks  was  supposed  to*  have  been  the  Argo, 
^  which  howi  ver  Theocritus  in  his  Hyias  calls  r^Mrm^-jym,  *  consisting 
**  of  thirty  benches,'  that  is  to  say,  furnished  with  sixty  rowers.  They 
^  before  made  use  of  small  skills  and  pibnaiccs.  The  Phoenicians  first 
^  invented  these  long  ships,  the  first  of  which  tliat  the  Greeks  had  any; 
^'  knowledge  of  was  that  of  Danaus  mentioned  by  Apollodorus:  £iu> 
**  pides,  in  his  Helen,  calls  a  ship  of  fifty  gars  Sidonian."    BArnes. 

The  reign  of  Danans  was  abotit  two  hmidred  years  prior  to  the  Ai^fo^ 
nantic  expedition :  on  referring  to  ApoJIodorus,  I  find  he  represents 
Danans  as  the  first  person  wlio  invented  the  art  of  constructing  a  ship, 
letuf  vrfuhs  iutl»Txtveun^  but  gives  no  other  account  of  the  size  or  form  q£ 
his  bark,  than  that  it  was  called  wv/hxmh^,  on  acconnt  of  its  fiimishing 
a  conveyance  for  his  fifty  Daughters,  wiUi  whom  he  fled  from  Egypt  to 
Argos  j  an  event  on  which  .^acbylashas  fobnded  his  tragedy  of  the  Sup- 
pliants :  but  with  what  number  of  oars  it  was  furnished  does  not  appear :, 
as  for  the  vessel  in  which  Deucalion  and  Pyrrhu  made  their  escape  from 
the  deluge,  it  appears  to  have  been 'a  mere  raft,  in  >^hich  tiiey  were  dri- 
ven  at  the  mercy  of  the  windB  and  waves. 


*  l." 


216  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

And  mansion^  scene  of  young  delight. 
Then  haste  to  mingle  with  that  choral  band 
'Midst  whom,  a  virgin,  at  my  bridal  rite 

Did  I  with  graceful  step  advance 
Applauded  thro'  the  mazy  dance: 
What  transports  did  my  gazing  mother  share ! 
Wild  heav'd  my  breast  the  robe's  loose  folds  between. 
Scarce  were  the  maiden's  downcast  blushes  seen 
While  o'er  my  rosy  cheeks  devolv'd  the  streaming  hair. 

,      ^  '   '  THOAS,  CHORUS. 

THOAS. 

Where  is  the  Grecian  Damsel  to  whose  trust 
These  portals  of  Diana's  awful  temple 
We  have  committed  ?  for  those  captives  yet 
Hath  she  perforra'd  th'  initiatory  rites? 
Or  do  their  bodies  o'er  the  kindled  flame 
Now  blaze  within  the  sanctuary  ? 

CHORUS. 

She  comes, 
O  King/  and  will  to  thee  herself  explain 
All  she  hath  done. 

IPHIGENIA,  THOAS,  CHORUS. 

S  y  THOAS. 

'  .        Wtiy  from  its  basis  move 

That  statue  of  the  Goddess,  which  ne'er  ought 
Thence  to  be  borne  away,  thou  royal  Maid, 
From  Agamemnon  who  deriv'st  thy,. birth ?,^ 

Stay  there,  my  Lord,  nor  with  unhallow'd  step 
Enter  yon  precincts, 

THOAS. 
But  what  new  event, 
yO  Iphigenia,  in  this  fane  hath  happen'd  ? 

/  IPHIGENIA. 

Y        Abomination!  thro'  religious  awe 
^    Thus  do  I  speak. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  217 

THOAS. 
What  meanest  thou  by  this  prelude f 
Be  more  explicit. 

IPHIGENIA. 

The  two  strangers  brought 
For  sacrifice,  O  Monarch,  are  impure. 

THOAS. 
Whence  learn'st  thou  this,  or  is  i|aiere  conjecture f 

IPHIGENIA. 

The  image  of  Diana,  with  its  face 
Averted,  on  the  marble  basis  stood. 

THOAS. 
Of  its  own  free  accord,  or  by  some  shock 
Of  earthquake^  from  its  wonted  posture  thrown. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Spontaneously,  and  clos'd  its  anger'd  eyes. 

THOAS. 

What  was  the  cause;  in  yonder  foreign  youths 
Found'st  thou  impurity? 

IPHIGENL4. 

To  this  alone 
Can  I  ascribe  what  happened  :  dreadful  crimes 
Have  they  committed. 

THOAS. 

As  on  Scythia's  coast 
They  landed,  some  Barbarian  did  they  slay  ? 

IPHIGENIA. 

From  their  own  home,  defii'd  with  blood  they  came. 

THOAS. 
What  blood  ?  for  I  their  history  wis^h  to  learn? 

IPHIGENIA. 
They  smote  their  Mother  with  confederate  steel. 

THOA3.> 
O  Phoebus,  e*en  among  Barbarian  tribes 

(34)  There's  no  man  capable  bf  such  a  deed. 

(34)  lyOmlle,  in  his  notes  on  Chariton,  is  of  opinion  that  Euripides 
here  alhides  to  ttie  fbllowing  panage  of  Herodotus,  who,  speaking  of  the 
Persians,  says,  mtoxJumu  vSuks  xw  Xc/Wii  tov  •mJU  rawn^  uU  /u^ijxc.  L.  i*  I3r. 


218  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

IPHIGBNIA. 

Hence  from  all  Greece  were  they  cast  forth  with  hate. 

THOAS. 
Is  this  the  cause  why  from  the  fane  thou  bear'st 
Diana's  image  ? 

IPHIGENIA. 

In  the  pui-e  expanse 
Of  ether,  far  from  every  murderous  taint. 
To  place  it. 

THOAS. 

By  what  means  could*st  thou  perceive 
The  strangers  were  unholy  ? 

IPHIGENIA. 

A  full  proof 
This  statue  of  the  Goddess  gave,  which  turn'd 
Its  face  away. 

THOAS. 

Thou,  by  sagacious  Greece 
Trained  up  in  wisdom,  canst  discern  aright. 

IPHIGENIA. 

But  now  by  a  delicious  bait  they  stroye 
To  win  my  soul. 

THOAS. 

Pretending  that  they  came 
With  grateful  tidings  from  the  Argive  realm? 

IPHIGENIA. 
Of  my  Orestes,  my  dear  Brother's  welfare. 

THOAS.  .  ' 

Doubtless  they  hop*d  that  such  intelligence 
Might  lure  thee  to  dismiss  them.  ' 

IPHIGENIA. 

•  (35)  My  Sire  lives     ' 

And  prospers,  they  relate. 


•  I 


(35)  This  line  has  al\vays  atnick  me  as  a  mere  wanton  falshood,  lyJiich 
has  not  the  least  tendency  whatever  to  promote  -the  success  of  the  plot 
^big^iia  hftd  been  forming ;  -  it  only  reflects  disgrace  oq  tibe  dwmoter  4>f 

Ibe  Herome^  and  is  thereibre  Justly  censoreble  in  a  Dralaatic  pioeo.     . 

■■    .    ■  .  •■■•.-  .  .* 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAU MS,  sii> 

THOAS. 

But  thou  didM  yield 
Just  preference  to  the  rites  Diana  claimsv 

IPHIGENIA. 

Foe  to  all  Greece,  because  all  Greece  conspir'd 
To  take  away  my  life. 

THOAS. 

But  bow  dispose 
Of  these  two  strangers  ?  speak. 

IPmOENIA. 

We  must  observe 
The  laws  whicli  here  are  'stablish'd. 

THOAS. 

Why  delay 
To  use  the  laver  then,  and  sacred  blade  ? 

IPHIGENIA. 
By  washing  I  would  purify  them  first. 

THOAS. 

With  water  from  the  limpid  fountain  drdvtn, 
Or  ocean'8  briny  waves  ? 

IPHIGENIA. 

(36)  The  sea  retnoves 
Each  taint  of  evil  from  the  human  race. 

TOOAS. 

Made  holier  thus,  to  Dian  shall  they  bleed.  ■ 

IPHIGENIA. 

And  I  become  more  prosperous. 

THOAS. 

Diashes  not 
The  surge  against  the  basis  of  the  fane? 

IPHIGENIA. 
We  must  be  privates  for  besides  the  rites 
Foremen tion'd,  I  have  others  to  perform. 

(96)  "  It  IB  reported  tliat  Euripides  formerly  tiavclled  with  Plato  into 
'*  Egypt,  where  he  fell  sick,  and  the  Egyptian  Priests  cured  hun  1^ 
^*  bathing  in  the  sea,  which  gave  rbe  to  this  poetical  eucomiom  dtitlHe 
*'  virtue  of  its  waters."    6ARit^». 


Q20  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

THOAS. 

Conduct  the  victims  wheresoever  thou  wilt : 
No  wish  have  I  those  mysteries  to  behold 
Which  may  not  be  divulg'd. 

IPHIGENIA. 

I  next  must  cleanse 
The  statue  of  the  Goddess. 

THOAS. 

If  the  stain 
Of  those  who  slew  their  Mother,  it  have  caught. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Else  had  I  never  from  its  pedestal 
Removed  it  hither. 

THOAS. 
Piety  like  thine 
And  forethought  claim  our  homage. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Know  you  not 
What  next  I  must  transact?  < 

THOAS. 

Be  it  thy  part 
To  give  directions. 

IPHIGENIA. 

In  strong  chains  secure 
Tke  foreigners. 

THOAS. 
Why  ?  whither  can  they  fly  ? 

IPHIGENIA. 

Greece  knows  no  faith. 

THOAS. 

Away,  ye  guards,  and  bind  them. 
IPHIGENIA. 

Then  bring  the  strangers  hither. 

THOAS. 

Thy  commands 
Shall  be  ohey*d 

IPHIGENIA. 

Cast  mantles  o'er  their  faces 


IPHIGENIA  IN  Ti\URlS.  2^i 

To  skreen  them  from  Hyperion's  radiant  orb ; 
And  from  your  train  detach  some  troops  to  aid  me. 

THOAS. 
Thy  steps  my  faithful  servants  shall  attend. 

IPHIGENIA. 
Dispatch  a  messenger^  who  may  announce 
To  the  whole  city  — 

THOAS* 

What  must  he  announce  ? 

IPHIGENIA, 

Your  strict  commands  that  all  at  home  remain. 

THOAS. 
Lest  they  with  luckless  step  the  murderers  meet? 

IPHIGENIA. 

Whence  foul  abomination  would  ensue. 

THOAS. 
Go,  and  proclaim  my  will,  that  none  approach 
To  view  the  mystic  rites. 

^      .  IPHIGENIA.  ^ 

/^  The  love  you  beat      \ 

vJThis  happy  realm,  surpasses  every  friend.         .--^' 

THOAS.  **' 

Such  honours  as  on  me  thou  hast  bestow'd. 
Our  city  to  its  Priestess  justly  pays. 

IPHIGENIA. 

. — -  But  stay  you  here  without  the  fane. 

THOAS. 

Tome 
What  office  is  assigned  f 

IPHIGENIA. 

The  sacred  dome 

Cleanse  frqm  pollution. 

THOAS. 

Thou  shalt  find  it  done 
At  thy  return. 

IPHIGENIA. 

But  while  th^  foreign  youths 
Are  from  its  lofty  portals  issuing  forth — 


««^  IPHLGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

THOAS. 

What  must  I  do? 

IPHIGENIA. 

Cast  o'er  your  eyes  a  veil. 

THOAS. 

Lest  I  from  them  contract  the  stain  of  murderi 

ipraGENiA. 
But  if  my  stay  full  tedious  seem  — 

THOAS. 

How  long 
Must  I  lemain  thus  cover'd  ? 

IPHIGENIA. 

Wonder  not. 

THOAS. 

Sufficient  leisure  to  thyself  allow 
For  ordering  these  solemnities  aright. 

IPHIGENIA. 

O  may  this  pious  expiation  answer 
My  utmost  wish ! 

THOAS. 

With  thine  my  prayers  unite. 

IPHIGENIA. 

Yon  strangers  from  the  temple  I  behold 
Advancing,  ''and  before  them  borne,  in  state 
The  ensigns  of  our  Gqddess.     New-born  lambs  (37) 
Have  we  prepar'd,  that  .with  their  gushing  blood    .. 
We  may  wash  out  foul  .murder's  horrid  stain* 
Their  holy  lustre  blazing  torches  shed, 
And  all  things,  that  to  purify  the  strangers 
And  image  of  Diana,  are  requir'd. 
Have  I  made  ready:  but  with  a  loud  voice 
Each  citizen  I  warn  to  stand  aloof 
From  this  defilement;  let  Heaven's  chosen  Priest 

(S7)  Orestes  and  Pylades,  though  young  men,  c^mU  not  certsuply  vfitk 
any  propriety  be  called  noym  <<  new-bom."  The'^ealdlng  o£  ofmc,  inataid 
of  «ei^fyac,  first  suggested  by.Pieraoii  jtiiiii  Ver^ilia,  is^ipproved  of  by 
Reiskias,  HdM^  ftodi^a^gi^aTe.  .^ 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  223 

Who  with  cleans'd  hands  would  offer  up  his  vows. 
The  Youth  ju&t  hastening  to  his  nuptial  joys, 
And  Matron  burden'd  with  a  pregnant  womb, 
Depart,  on  them  lest  this  pollution  light. 

0  Royal  Maid,  who  sprung'st  from  thund'Hog  Jove 
And  from  Latona,  when  their  bloody  stains 

1  shall  have  wash'd  away,  and  offered  up 
Due  sacrifice  where  thy  behests  ordain. 
Thou  shalt  inhabit  a  pure  fane,  and  bliss 
Hereafter  shall  be  ours :  but  tho*  the  tongue 
Express  no  more,  O  Goddess,  without  words 
Can  I  to  thee,  and  Heaven's  omniscient  powers. 
Make  known  the  secret  purpose  of  my  soul. 

[Exeunt  thoas  and  iphigbnia. 

CHORUS.  U .' V^,.,^^ 

ODE. 

I. 

All  bail,  Latona's  race,  illustrious  pair. 
In  Delos'  fruitful  vales  of  yore 
Whom  that  exulting  Goddess  bore, 
Apollo,  for  his  golden  hair. 
And  harp's  melodious  notes,  renowned. 
With  her  who  from  the  sounding  bow 
Sends  forth  th'  inevitable  wound : 
The  throes  of  childbirth  thus  repaid, 
Not  long  on  the  same  spot  she  staid. 
The  margin  of  that  lake  profound 
(38)  Into  whose  stagnant  mass  of  waters  flow 
No  springs  refreshing:  from  its  craggy  strand,- 
To  a  more  hospitable  land 

(3B)  "  Pour  llntelKgence  de  ce  passage  il  snffira  de  ranger  les  termes 
«  dans  rordre  grammatical  qui  leur  convient;  |UMflip.>i»*ww  xx«»a  >yox««a 
•*  Mk^  a^nxTuJiy  (ftoti  W  aw>  ittfoiof  iwJua;  (if)  AJpupew  Ua^mmnm.  Par  €68 
"  psrolleft  le  Po^e  fidt  entendre  que  la  mere  tfApoUon  et  de  Diane, 
«  Ijatone,  quittant  les  rochers  de  Delos,  ble  celebre  a  verity  par  ses 
^  iMHiches,  mais  qui  ne  Test  pas  par  une  source  pareille  a  celui  de  Caa. 


224  IPHIGENTA  TN  TAURtS. 

She  her  immortal  Twins  conveyed, 
Mounting  Parnassus'  height,  where  roam 
Younc:  Bacchus  and  his  festive  choir: 
Beneath  the  deep  embowering  shade. 
With  speckled  back,  eyes  darting  fire, 
And  visage  drench'd  in  crimson  foam. 
The  Dragon,  long,  retreat  had  found. 
Earth's  monstrous  progeny:  a  mound 
To  skreen  his  foul  abode  from  view 
Of  Jaurel's  sacred  verdure  grew; 
A  sleepless  guard,  he  watch'd  around 
The  subterraneous  Oracles. 
While  yet  an  infant  thou  didst  spring 
In  the  maternal  arms,  this  foe, 
O  Phcebus,  thy  unerring  shafts  laid  low. 
Hence  didst  thou  enter  those  prophetic  cells. 
And  on  the  golden  tripod,  mighty  King, 
Thy  seat  establish  ;   from  a  throne 
Whence  falshood's  banish'd,  to  make  known 
Thy  oracles  thro'  every  land, 
With  inspiration  pronipt  to  bless 
That  sacred  spot  (SQ)  my  lov'd  recess. 
Close  to  Castalia's  tuneful  spring, 
The  centre  of  the  world,  thy  altars  stand, 

^  talie,  transporta  ses  enfans  sur  le  somniet  de  PamaBse,  comncr^  a 
<<  Bacchus  et  proche  de  Delphes  on  Phebus  eut  bientot  apres  nn  oracle 
*<  renomm^  vntf  Kar«>^a;  ^t^a»»,*'    Acad.  Inscr.  Tom.  31.  Hist.  p.  186^ 

I  have  transcribed  the  above  criticism  of  Dnpny  as  .by  fiir  the  most 
obvious  and  satisfactory  explanation  I  liave  met  with  of  this  difficult 
passage ;  Hcatli's  arrangement  of  the  words  is  in  some  measure  similar: 
their  remarks,  however,  were  either  not  seen  or  totally  disregarded  by 
our  two  last  editors  of  this  tragedy,  Mr.  Markland,  and  Dr.  Musgrave, 
as  the  former  candidly  allows  that  he  does  not  understand  his  Author, 
and  the  latter  has  only  proposed  an  alteration  of  the  text,  which  he 
seems  to  have  abandoned,  it  not  being  inserted  in  his  Latin  version, 
which  affords  a  receptacle  for  most  of  his  conjectural  readings. 

(59)  Though  we  find  'Carmelli,  Reiskius,  Heatb>  and  Dr.  Muigrave^ 
all  concur  in  reprobating  the  word  tfjm,  and  furmshing  us  according  to 
custom  with  their  four  different  conjectural  alterations^  I  confess  myself 
at  a  loss  to  discover  in  what  respect  any  one  of  them  has  improved  the 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURI&.  225 

II. 
When  Phoebus  with  resistless  might 
Had  cast  forth  Themis,   child  of  Earth,  (40) 
Her  mighty  Parent  griev'd,   gave  birth 
To  various  spectres  of  the  night, 
•And  dreams  which  to  the  mental  sight 
Of  the  bewildered  sons  of  men, 
Sleeping  beneath  some  murky  den 

Display'd  things  past,   things  present,    and  to  come. 

Thus  Earth  constrain'd  Apollo  to  resign 

Awhile  the  talent  of  prophetic  song, 

Resenting  much  her  Daughter's  wrong; 

Quench'd  by  her  wrath  then  ceas'd  the  voice  divine. 
His  oracles  awhile  were  dumb : 
But  hastening  to  Olympus'  choir 
Who  wait  around  the  throne  of  Jove, 
The  youthful  God  besought  his  Sire, 
From  Pythian  temples  to  remove. 
Night's  vague  responses,  and  the  ire 

text,  or  yvhat  motive  they  had  for  making  snch  attempt.  From  the 
Chorus*  apologizinfr,  v.  179  of  the  Tragedy,  for  tlieir  Asiatic  dialect. 
Dr.  Musgravfe  is  of  opinion  that  they  are  lonians ;  if  so,  tliey  certainly 
could  not  with  the  natives  of  the  province  of  Phocis  claim  any  peculiar 
right  in  the  oracle  on  mount  Parnassus,  or  call  it  Vieii's  in  tlie  same  sense 
as,  hi  the  Ion,  Creusa's  followers,  who  are  Athenians,  on  seeing  the  pic- 
ture of  Minerva  at  the  Delphi,  exclaim,  "  my  Goddess.**  But  aXXowrt, 
«^^o;  dfwy  jucfXtt,  is  a  very  just  sentmient  which  Euripides  puts  into 
the  mouth  of  Hippoly tus :  the  oracles  of  Apollo  were  much  visited  by 
▼otaries  of  both  sexes  from  distant  regions,  and  the  Phoenician  virgins  in 
our  Antfaofs  third  Tragedy  are  at  Thebes  in  their  road  thitiier;  nor  hath 
it  Uie  sound  of  poetical  exaggeration,  for  an  Ionian  Dame,  sprung  from 
Ghnecian  parents,  to  express  the  strongest  affection  for  the  cave  whence 
that  God  dealt  forth  hi*  prophetic  responses.  The  length  of  tliis  Ode  be- 
ing too  great  for  one  stanza,  I  very  readily  comply  with  Dr.  Musgrave's 
example  in  making  two  of  it;  wluch,  though  called  in  his  edition, 
Strophe,  and  Antistropli^,  are  so  very  far  from  according  with  each 
other  in  their  measures  in  the  original,  tliat  I  hope  such  coufonnity  will 
be  dispensed  with  in  the  translation. 

(40)  In  Hesiod's  Generation  of  the  Gods,  v.  135,  we  find  Themis  enu- 
merated among  those  children  of  Ov^em^  &  Taia,  or  Heaven  and  Eaith, 
trho  were  the  elder-bom  Brothers  and  Sisters  of  Saturn  or  Time. 

VOL.    II.  Q 


ood  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

Of  Earth  dread  Goddess,     Jove  benignly  smiKd, 
At'the  arrival  of  his  Child 
Prompted  by  strong  desire 
T'  obtain  the  honours  of  a  God, 
And  shrines  replete  with  massive  gold  : 
Scar'd  by  the  Thunderer's  aweful  nod. 
Each  Vision  fled,  its  power  destroy'd. 

And  man  no  longer  by  his  fears  control'd 
Isight's  treacherous  oracles  explor*d, 

For  to  the  honours  he  before  enjoy'd 
Apollo  was  by  Jove  restored  : 
Hence  frequent  votaries  crowd  his  fane. 
And  with  implicit  awe  rely 
On  the  harmonious  Deity, 
Who  rouses  inspiration's  magic  strain. 

MESSENGER,  CHORUS.  \'^'^ 

MESSENGER. 

Ye  guardians  of  the  temple,  who  attend 
Its  altars,  where  is  Thoas,  Scythia's  King  ? 
Unbar  the  massive  doors,  go  forth  and  call 
The  Sovereign  of  the  land. 

CHORUS. 

Ha !  what  hath  happened  ? 
(41)  If  without  fresh  injunctions  I  may  speak. 

MESSENGER. 

The  captive  youtlis  are  gone,  they  from  these  coast» 
Escaping,  aided  by  the  treacherous  counsels 
Of  Agamemnon's  Daughter,  bore  away 
Diana's  image  in  a  Grecian  bark. 

CHORUS. 

Incredible  the  tale  thou  hast  related. 
But  as  for  him  whom  thou  woiild'st  see,  our  King, 

(41)  Tlie  latter  part  of  tliis  speech  onaht  not,  Mr.  Heath  observes, 
to  be  construed  hiteriojrativeiy  ;  the  Messenger  han.ijr  addusscd  himself 
not  to  tlie  Chorus,  but  to  some  persons  v^lio  niiiiislercd  in  tlie  Temple, 
the  door  of  which  appeal*^  to  have  been  close  to  the  scene  of  action. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  «t7 

In  haste  but  now  be  from  the  temple  went. 

MESSENGER, 

Whither?  For  he  must  hear  what  hath  been  done* 

CHORUS. 
We  cannot  tell :   but  follow  him  with  speedy 
And  if  thou  chance  to  overtake,  relate 
These  tidings. 

MESSENGER. 

Look;  how  treacherous  the  whole  race 
Of  women  are !  ye  too  have  some  concern 
In  these  transactions. 

CHORUS. 
Thou  hast  surely  lost 
Thy  reason  !  for  what  interest  in  th*  escape 
Of  strangers  can  we  have?  Without  delay 
^  (48)  Hence  to  the  palace  wilt  thou  not  repair  i 

MESSENGER. 

No,  not  till  some  interprett^r  hath  first 
Informed  me,  if  the  ruler  of  this  land 
Be  in  the  fane.     Ho  !  loose  the  massive  bars ! 
To  those  within  the  sanctuary  I  speak :  .  j 

And  to  your  King  announce,  that  at  the  door        -^J^. /-■'-•'' 
lidden  with  dokfui  tidings  I  attend.  (^      jJiL^^-*^ 

THOAS,  MESSENGER,  CHORUS. 

THOAS. 

What  miscreant  raises,  with  unhallow'd  voice, 
This  uproar  round  Diana's  lov'd  abode, 
And  thundering  at  the  gate^  spreads  an  alarm 
E'en  to  its  sanctuary  ? 

MESSENGER^ 
To  drive  me  hence 

(4S)  Mr.  Heath  and  Dr.  Musgrave's  division  of  this  and  the  next 
•peecby  of  "which  I  have  availed  myself,  is  a  great  improvement  to  this 
dialogue ;  the  Chorus  v^dl  knew  that  1  hoas  was  within  the  temple,  and 
wished  to  send  the  Messenger  to  the  paiaoe  in  qaest.  of  hi0i|  to  delay 
the  pursuit  of  their  friends. 

92 


^./^ 


228  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

These  women  strove,  regardless  of  the  truth. 
When  they  denied  that  you  were  here  within. 

THOAS. 

From  such  a  fraud  what  gain  could  they  expect. 
Or  what  was  their  pursuit  ? 

MESSENGER. 

Of  what  relates 
To  them  I  at  a  future  time  will  speak : 
Now  hear  what  claims  your  more  immediate  care; 
The  virgin  [pbigenia,  she  whose  office 
Was  to  attend  these  altars,  from  the  land 
Fled  with  yon  captive  youths,  and  bore  away 
The  venerable  statue  of  the  Goddess; 
Those  expiatory  rites  of  which  she  talk'd 
Were  mere  impostures. 

THOAS. 

Ha !  what's  this  thou  say'st? 
What  prompted  her  ? 

MESSENGER. 

To  save  Orestes*  life ; 
This  haply  will  astonish  you ! 

THOAS. 

What  him 
Whom  Clytemnestra,  Ty ndarus'  Daughter  bore  ? 

MESSENGER. 

The  same,  whom  at  these  altars  to  Diana 
She  consecrated. 

THOAS. 

Prodigy  of  guilt! 
How  style  thee  by  a  more  expressive  name? 

MESSENGER. 

Thither  awhile  your  thoughts  forbear  to'torn. 
But  hear  my  tale,  and  after  you  have  weighed 
Each  circumstance  with  an  attentive  ear. 
Devise  what  means  there 'are  to  overtake 
These  strangers  in  their  flight. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  229 

THOAS. 

Proceed :  for  well 
Hast  thou  exprest  thyself.     So  gi-eat  a  length 
Will  be  their  voyage,  that  they  cannot  'scape 
My  vengeful  spear. 

MESSENGER. 
Soon  as  we  reach*d  the  shores  » 

Of  Ocean,  where  concealed  at  anchor  lay 
Orestes'  bark  ;    to  us,  whom  you  dispatch'd 
To  guard  the  prisoners,  Agamemnon's  Daughter 
A  nod,  the  signal,  gave,  to  stand  aloof. 
As  if  for  sacrifice  the  mystic  flame 
She  now  was  kindling,  and  without  delay 
Would  purify  the  victims  ;  in  her  hands 
Holding  the  strangers'  chains,  then  from  our  troop 
(Which  look'd  suspicious),  she  with  them  retir'd : 
But  we,  your  servants,  to  her  pleasure  yielded 
That  deference,  which,  O  Monarch,  you  enjoin'd. 
To  make  us  think  her  more -and  more  engag'd. 
As  she  pretended,  by  the  solemn  rite. 
After  some  interval  she  rais'd  her  voice. 
And  chanted,  in  Barbaric  strains,  a  form 
Of  expiation  :  when  we  long  had  sat 
Waiting  for  their  return,  an  anxious  thought 
Entered  our  minds,  lest  from  (43)  their  chains  set  free 


(43)  The  word  Xu^mt;  is,  I  apprehend,  improperly  rendered  by  Mr. 
West,  **  bnrsting  their  fetters :"  for  though  Sinon,  in  Virgil,  represents 
himself  as  bursting  his  bonds  after  the  pertbmiancc  of  certain  initiatory 
rites,  the  salted  cates  being  prepared,  and  his  head  crowned  with  gar« 
lands :  it  was  perhaps  the  art  of  tlie  Poet  to  accompany  his  tale  with 
circumstances  of  inconsistency,  which  would  not  stnke  the  multitude, 
but  with  an  accurate  observer  might  conduce  to  a  detection  of  its  im- 
posture :  but  on  the  contrary,  in  the  Hecuba  of  Euripides,  when  Po- 
jyxena  is  borne  to  the  altar,  she  insists,  with  &:reat  vehemence,  on  not 
having  her  arms  confined,  that  she  might  die  in  a  manner  becoming  one 
who  was  bom  free  :  and  in  tliis  very  Tragedy,  v.  468,  on  Orestes  and 
Pylades  (whom  she  then  considers  as  fit  victims,)  bemg  first  brought  to 
][phigeD|a,  she  directs  their  chains  to  be  taken  off  on  account  of  their 


f35  IPHIGENU  IN  TAURIS. 

Those  foreigners  might  slay  her,  and  escape 

Without  obstruction.     We,  restrained  by  dread 

Of  viewing  what  religious  awe  ordains 

Shall  be  perform'd  in  secrecy,  still  kept 

Our  silent  station  :  till  at  leugth  we  all 

Concurred  in  one  opinion,  to  advance, 

Nor  wait  for  leave  to  join  them.     But  with  oars. 

Like  wings  stretcht  forth,  we  now  beheld  where  rodo 

The  Grecian  vessel;  on  its  benches  rang'd. 

Sat  fifty  mariners:  no  longer  bound, 

On  the  high  deck  those  youths  e^^ulting  stood. 

With  poles,  some  guided  from  the  shelving  rocks 

The  prow,  on  its  projecting  edge  some  lodg'd 

The  anchor,  others  up  the  ladders  ran. 

And  letting  down  the  hausers,  tlnew  them  forth 

Across  the  waves,  that  by  their  aid,  from  shore. 

With  (44)  safety  they  the  Princess  might  convey. 

Put  soon  as  we  their  treacherous  arts  perqeiv'd, 

ResolvM  to  face  all  dangers^  holding  fast 

The  Maid,  and  hausers  of  the  ship,  we  strove. 

With  all  our  might,  to  sever  from  the  Poop 

Its  rudder  ;  in  opprobrious  words  our  rage 

Broke  forth  ;  Why  sail  ye  hither?  from  these  shores 

^^  Mean  ye  to  steal  the  image,  and  our  Priestess? 

^^  Whose  son,  who  art  thou,  and  on  what  pretence 

"  Dost  thou  ren^ove  bpr  like  a  purchased  slave  ?" 

"being  sacred  to  Diana ;  and  accordingly,  after  the  supposed  performance 
of  expiatory  rites,  they  are  now  a  second  time  unbotind;,  according  to 
^e  religious  usages  of  those  'inies. 

(44)  Without  presuming  to  decide  on  this  difficult  passage,  and  thos^ 
yarious  conjectural  readings  which  occur  in  the  editions  of  Barnes 
Markland,  and  Musgrave,  I  have  endeavoured  to  express  what  seems 
to  be  the  meaning  of  tlie  passage,  with  as  httle  deviatiop  from  the  text 
ps  possible  :  the  coast  appears  to  have  been  so  rocky,  as  to  make  the 
use  of  long  poles  necessary  to  prevent  the  ship  from  dashing  itself  tQ 
pieces  by  approaching  too  near ;  but  the  hausers  and  ladders  which  were 
fhrown  forth,  in  order  to  convey  Iphigenia  on  shipboard,  furnished  some 
pf  the  Scythian  guards  and  crew  of  Orestes  with  a  communication  Im- 
^vn^t  t^e  shore  and  the  ship,  on  whiili  they  met  and  fougb^. 


IPHIGENIA  liN  TAURIS.  231 

He  sternly  answer'd  ;    **  Know,  I  to  this  Maid 

'*  Am  Brother,  and  Orestes  is  my  name, 

"  The  Son  of  Agamemnon,  I  but  seize, 

'*  And  hence  convey  the  Sister  I  had  lost." 

All  this  prevented  not  our  holding  fast 

The  virgin;   and  our  utmost  might  exerting, 

That  to  thy  presence  we  might  drag  them  back  ; 

For  in  the  hands  of  neither  party, gleam'd 

The  steely  blade;  but  we  with  fists  alone 

Encounter'd  them,   until  our  batter'd  sides 

Felt  the  superior  prowess  of  those  youths 

And  our  whole  franre  was  in  th'  unequal  strife 

O'erpower'd  and  hanass'd.     We  with  livid  marks 

Disfigured,   to  the  promontory  jBed, 

Some  on  our  heads,  and  others  in  our  eyes. 

Had  bloody  wounds,  but  on  that  height  our  stand 

Maintaining,  we  witli  greater  caution  foughr. 

And  from  the  rock  its  shiver'd  fragments  threw  ; 

Till  archers,   mounted  on  the  lofty  |)oop. 

Thence  drove  us  with  their  shafts:  &  mighty  wave 

MeantimeroH'd  on,  and  forc'd  the  ship  to  land  ; 

The  sailors  fear'd  a  wreck :  but,  undismay'd, 

Orestes  plung'd  into  the  waves,  and  bore 

His  Sister  on  his  shoulders  ;   up  the  side 

Of  the  high  deck,  then  by  the  ladder's  aid 

He  sprung,  and  lodg'd  her  with  Diana's  image. 

Which  from  the  skies  descended,  safe  aboard ;    ' 

While  (45)  from  the  vessel's  inmost  hold  burst  forth 

A  voice;  ^^  Ye  valiant  mariners  of  Greece, 

'*  Now  ply  your  oars,  now  cut  the  frothy  deep, 

^'  Since  each  inestimable  prize  is  ours, 

(45)  Tbe  reading  of  "Bon  rtg^  instead  of  E«»iv  t*v',  which,  according  to 
Mr.  Markland  and  Dr.  Musgrave,  is  authoiii>ed  by  the  Parisian  manu- 
scripts, appears  to  me  a  very  forcible  inducement  for  adopting  the  punc- 
tuation and  interpretation  suggested  first  by  Mr,  Heath,  who  justly  ob- 
serves, that  the  statue  of  Diana  fell  from  Heaven,  as  is  mentioned  ii| 
these  very  lines,  instead  of  crossing  the  Eiuone  sea  to  reach  Tauris, 


£32  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

'^  Crossing  the  Euxine  tide,  for  which  we  steerM 

''  'Twixt  the  Symplegades  our  arduous  course," 

They  dash'd  the  briny  wave  with  murmuring  sounds 

Of  exultation.    Till  it  left  the  port. 

The  ship  advanc'd  ;  but  in  the  narrow  mouth 

Of  ocean,  by  huge  billows  was  assail'd: 

For  suddenly  did  an  impetuous  wind 

Arise,,  which  drove  them  backward,  they  ir^  vain 

The  stubborn  cordage  stretch*d,  and  undismayed, 

With  perseverance  struggled  'gainst  the  waves  : 

But  the  tide  swelling  with  resistless  force. 

Baffled  their  efforts,  and  again  to  land 

Impeird  the- bark  :  then  Iphigenia  rose 

And  pray'd  ;  *^  O  Daughter  of  Lalona,  save 

*'  Thy  Priestess,  waft  me  to  the  shores  of  Greece 

*'  From  these  Barbaric  regions,  and  forgive 

'^  The  theft  I  have  committed :   for  thou  lov'st 

^'  Thy  Brother,  and,  O  Goddess,  wilt  excuse 

^*  A  deed  which  rises  from  a  Sister's  zeal,'* 

The  mariners  received  the  virgin's  prayer 

With  clamorous  Paeans,  and  their  brawny  arms 

Extending,  plied  the  sweeping  oa%  each  rous'd 

His  comrade's  zeal :  but  to  the  shelving  rock 

Nearer  and  nearer  still  their  bark  approach'dj 

Some  leap'd  into  the  sea,  the  anchors  s6me 

Bound  up  with  twisted  cordage.     I,  O  King, 

Was  hither  with  the  utmost  speed  dispatch'd. 

That  I  to  you  these  tidings  might  convey. 

Go  then,  with  chains  and  gliding  nooses  artti'd: 

Tor  if  the  storm  subside  not,  all  the  hopes 

These  foreigners  had  form'd  of  an  escape. 

Must  vanish.    (46)  Neptune,  Ocean's  aweful  King, 

(46)  The  part  Neptune  acts  in  Homer  directly  contradicts  vfhat »  here 
said  of  his  animosity  to  the  Greeks,  and  affection  for  the  Trojans:  in  the 
fifteenth  book  of  the  Iliad,  he  insists  on  Jupiter's  demolishing  Troy 
according  to  the  promise  he  had  made ;  and  in  the  battle  of  the  Gods, 
In  the  2i8ty  he  chaUenges  and  reproaches  Apollo,  who  bad  assisted 


/>.'  ■■ "''' 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  SS3 

O'er  Ilion's  friths  oft  casts  his  watchful  eye. 
But  to  the  race  of  Pelops  is  a  foe, 
And  will  yield  up,  so  justice  hath  ordain'd, . 
To  you,  and  to  your  citizens,   the  Son 
Of  Agamemnon  ;  ye  with  him  shall  take 
His  Sistej  too,   unmindful  how  she  scap'd 
From  death  at  Aulis,  who  again  is  caught  *" .  ^' 

By  that  vindictive  Goddess  she  betray'd,    /  _/" 

CHORUS.  ^XA^ 

Unhappy  virgin,    Iphigenia,   doom'd    ^^ 
To  be  the  partner  of  your  Brother's  fate,  '^ 
How  are  you  fallen  again  into  the  hands 
Of  Lords  most  merciless ! 

THOAS. 

i^*^^  O  ye  who  dwell 

In  this  Barbaric  region,  why  delay 
Your  steeds  to  bridle,   arid  with  swift  career 
The  shore  approaching,   intercept  these  Greeks 
As  from  their  stranded  bark  they  issue  forth. 
And,  aided  by  Diana's  self,  pursue 
These  impious  miscreants  with  redoubled  speed? 
Will  ye  not  launch  tny  ships,   that,  or  by  sea. 
Or  with  a  numerous  cavalry,  by  land. 
When  we  their  flight  overtake,  we  from  the  rock 
May  either  dash  them  headlong,  or'suspeud 
Their  bodies  on  the  ignominious  stake. 


in  erecting  that  city,  with  having  forgotten  tlie  perjuries  of  Laomed«B, 
and  with  his  unjust  partiality  for  the  descendants  of  that  faithless  Tyrant. 
However,  after  the  terrible  disaster  tlie  Grecian  navy  had  experienced  oo 
the  rocks  of  Caphareus,  the  Tragic  Poet  may,  in  some  measure,  be  jofl- 
tified  for  here  representing  tlie  God  of  the  Sea  as  unpropitious  to  fait 
countrymen:  but  in  his  Trojan  Captives,  this  deviation  from  Homer 
seems  to  have  misled  £uripides  into  a  much  greater  impropnety,  wheq 
be  describes  Mmerva  and  Neptune  as  meeting  in  order  to  effect  a  recos* 
ciliation  of  their  antient  enmity  arising  from  the  opposite  parts  they  bad 
aicted  during  the  siege  of  Troy ;  though  in  the  last  mentioned  book  of 
the  Iliad,  they  unite  to  save  Achilles  from  being  overwhelmed  by  tte 
vaters  of  Scamander* 


fiS4  IPHIGENIA  IN  TAUillS. 

But  as  for  you,  ye  women,  to  their  schemes 
Who  have  been  privy,  I  your  guilt  will  punish 
When  I  have  leisure,  but  am  now  intent 
On  greater  objects  which  demand  my  care. 

MINERVA,  THOAS,  GHORUS. 

MINERVA. 

Whither,  O  Thoas,  whither,  furious  King, 
Lead'st  thou  thy  squadrons  eager  in  the  chase? 
These  counsels  of  Minerva  hear,  desist 
From  thy  pursuit,  nor  rouse  the  storms  of  war : 
Since  by  the  dread  behests  of  fate  enjoin'd. 
By  Phcebus'  oracles,  Orestes  came 
Reluctant  to  this  land,  that  he  might  'scape 
The  wrath  of  the  Eumenides,  convey 
His  Sister  to  her  native  Argos'  coast. 
And  lodge  the  statue  in  my  chosen  realm  (47) : 
Thus  far  to  thee,  O  King,  relates  my  speech  : 
But  as  for  him  thy  purpose  is  to  slay, 
Orestes,  intercepted  by  the  surge. 
To  him  e'en  now  doth  Neptune,  for  my  sake, 
A  prosperous  voyage  grant,  and  waft  his  bark 
Over  the  level  surface  of  the  main. 
Thou  too,  Orestes^  having  learnt  my  will, 
(For  tho'  thou  art  not  here,  Minerva's  voice 
To  thee  is  audible)  go,  bear  away     ^ 
That  image,  and  ihy  Sister,  from  these  shores ; 
But  soon  as  thou  arriv'st  at  Athens  rear'd 
^y  hands  divine,  in  the  extremest  bounds 
Of  Attica,  near  steep  Carysthus'  mount 
There  is  a  sacred  spot  known,  by  the  name 
Of  (48)  Halas,  to  my  people ;  there  <jrect 

(47)  Aihens,  S|s  has  been  repeatedly  fnenUoped:  see  particubriy 
V.  90,  and  v.  978  in  Barnes's  edition. 

(48)  The  region  called,  by  Strabo  and  Steplianus  Byzanthius,  Halan, 
or  Halae  Arapbenides,  is  situated  according  to  what  we  collect  from  these 
autborsy  ^od  tbe  comm^atarieft  of  Hobteoiu^y  oa  the  sea-coast,  in  that 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS.  4S5 

-A  temple  to  receive  the  Statue  call'd 

Tauric  Diana  ;  thus  to  futui^e  times 

Transmitting  a  remembrance  of  thy  toils, 

^nd  wanderings  thro'  all  Greece,  from  realm  to  realm 

Chas'd  by  the  Furies.     Hence  unnumbered  thr6ng9 

Shall  join  the  choral  hymn,  and  by  that  name 

The  Goddess  celebrate.     Enact  this  law. 

That  when  they  meet  to  hold  the  solemn  feast, 

Grateful  for  thy  miraculous  escape 

From  sacrifice,  the  Priest  shall  o'er  the  neck 

Of  him  who  personates  the  victim,  wave 

His  sword,  and  draw  forth  crimson  drops  of  blood ; 

The  honours  which  she  claims,  in  later  days 

Thus  shall  the  sacred  Artemis  maintain : 

But  you,  O  Iphigema,  still  must  bear 

The  key  that  opes  her  shrine,  doom'd  to  reside 

On  the  bleak  summit  of  Brauronia*s  rocks: 

There,  after  death,  shall  ihey  inter  your  corse. 

And  grace  your  sepulchre  with  costly  robes 

Of  silken  tissue,  by  those  mairons  left. 

Who  in  the  pangs  of  childbirth  breathe  their  last. 

But  I  on  thee,  Orestes,  must  impose 

Yet  one  injunction  more,  that  thon  convey 

These  (49)  Grecian  damsels  from  the  Scythian  Coasts 

Mindful  of  their  unshaken  faith  :  for  thee 

Did  I  preserve,  when  at  the  hill  of  Mars 

•  part  of  Attica,  which  borders  on  the  Boeotian  territories :  the  city  of 
Caiysthus,  in  tlie  island  of  Euboea,  is  separated  from  the  AthennQ 
limits  by  the  narrow  frith  the  Euripiis,  and  the  name  of  the  mountaio 
here  spoken  of,  at  the  foot  of  which  Carystlius  was  sitnated,  is  Occha. 

(49)  Brodinis  supposes  that  there  is  a  deficiency  in  the  ori^^iaal  be- 
tween this  and  the  following  Unc.  Dupny,  in  the  Acad,  des  InscrifiC 
Tom.  31,  H|st.  p.  187,  and  Mr.  Markland,  have  adopted  the  same  opi>i 
nion,  and  consider  the  Goddess  as  here  addressin/r  herself  to  Thoat* 
Witliout  presuming  to  decide  whether  the  authorities  of  these  learned 
pien,  or  those  of  Barnes,  Brnmoy,  Mr.  West,  and  Dr^  Mnsgrave,  who 
think  otherwise,  ougiit  to  predominate,  I  have  chosen  to  follow  the  latter 
for  the  sake  of  avoiding  a  disagreeable  break  and  cofifiisioii  in  thim 
•peechy  where  \t  did  not  seem  clearly  nece$s^. 


m6  iphigenia  in  tauris. 

The  votes  were  equal,  and  on  thy  behalf 

Gave  sentence :  henceforth  shall  the  self-same  law 

Prevail,  and  an  equality  of  votes 

Be  deem'd  sufficient  to  acquit  the  man 

Charg'd  with  a  crime*    But  far  from  these  domaina 

Now  bear  thy  Sister,  thou  illustrious  Son 

Of  Agamemnon^  and^  O  Thoas,  curb 

Thine  anger. 

THOAS. 

O  Minerva,  aweful  Queen, 
Devoid  of  reason  is  the  man  who  yields 
No  credence  t.o  the  Gods'  supreme  behests : 
But  I,  against  Orestes,  tho*  he  bore 
Diana's  sacred  image  from  this  land, 
And  'gainst  his  Sister,  all  resentment  wave. 
For  what  could  it  avail  me  to  contend 
With  Heaven's  resistless  migh^?  let  them  convey 
The  statue  to  your  lov'd  Athenian  realm, 
And  place  it  in  a  more  auspicious  shrine. 
To  happy  Greece  these  females  will  I  send. 
As  you  enjoin,  and  stay  the  troops,  and  barks 
Prepar'd  against  yon  strangers.     With  your  pleasure, 
O  Goddess,  I  comply. 

MINERVA. 

Such  (50)  conduct  claims 
My  praise,  for  stern  Necessity  prevails 
Both  over  thee,  and  the  immortal  Powers. 
Go,  gentle  gales,  go  waft  the  ship  which  becirs 
The  Son  of  Agamemnon  to  the  coast 
Of  Athens  :  I  his  voyage  will  attend. 
My  Sister's  sacred  image  to  preserve. 
Away,  O  ye  whose  every  toil's  o'erpaid 

(50)  In  Mr.  Markland  and  Dr.  Mnsgrave's  editions,  on  the  authority 
sf  a  Parisian  mannscript,  the  line,  \\hich  usually  closes  Tkoas's  speech,  is 
plaeed  at  the  commencement  of  that  of  Minerva,  and  is  thought  to  bfk 
«i  improvement  to  the  context. 


IPHIGENIA  IN  TAURIS. 

By  Fate's  benignant  gifts ;  for  ye  with  truth 
May  be  styl'd  happy, 

CHORUS. 

But,  O  thou,  revered 
By  Gods  and  mortals,  Pallas,  thy  commands 
Are  we  prepared  to  execute  with  joy. 
For  tidings  most  delightful,  which  exceed 
Our  utmost  hopes,  now  vibrate  on  mine  ear. 
O  venerable  Victory,  take  possession 
Of  my  whole  life,  nor  ever  cease  to  twine 
Around  these  brows  thy  laureat  wreath  divine* 


2S7 


RHES  US. 


Nee  procul  hinc  Rhesi  niveis  tentoria  velis 
Agnoscit  lacbrymans,  pnnio  quas  prodita  somno, 
Tydides  muM  vastabat  cs«de  cnientws; 
Ardentesq ;  avertit  equos  in  c^tra,  priusquam 
Pabula  giistassent  Troj%  Xanthumque  bibissent* 


TiRGIU 


,/ 


PERSONS  OF  THE  DRAMA. 


CHORUS  OF  TROJAN  CENTINELS* 

HECTOR. 

JENEAS. 

DOLON. 

A  SHEPHERD. 

RHESUS. 

ULYSSES. 

DIOMEDC. 

PARIS. 

MINERVA. 

THE  MUSE. 

THE  CHARIOTEER  OF  RHESUS. 


SCENE -BEFORE   HECTOR\S    TENT    AT   THE  GATES  OF 

TROY. 


RHESUS.  247 

0 

liCt  us  then  leave  to  rest  riom  ma>tial  toils, 
^nd  sleep  bfside  their  shields.    That  we  dispatch 
Amid  the  foe  some  voluntary  spy, 
Is  my  advice :   if  they  prepare  for  flight. 
Let  us  assail  the  Greeks ;   but  if  those  fires 
Are  kindled  to  ensnare  us,   having  learned 
The  enemies' intentions,  let  us  hold 
A  second  council  on  this  great  emprise. 
Illustrious  chief,  I  have  declai-'d  my  thoughts, 

CHORUS. 
I. 

These  counsels  I  approve:  thy  wayward  scheme 

O  Hector,  change,   and  think  the  same  : 

For  perilous  commands  I  deem. 
Given  by  the  headstix>ng  chief,  deserve  our  blame. 

Why  send  not  to  the  fleet  a  spy. 
Who  may  approach  the  trenches,  and  descry 
With  what  intent  our  foes  upon  the  strand 

Have  kindled  many  a  flaming  brand? 

HEcraR. 

Ye  have  prevail'd,  because  ye  all  concur 
In  one  opinion  :  but  depart,  prepare 
Thy  fellow-soldiers,  for  perhaps  the  host 
May  by  the  rumours  of  our  nightly  council 
Se  p^it  in  motion •     I  wtll  «end  a  spy 
Among  the  Greeks  ;   and  if  we  learn  what  schemes 
They  have  devis'd,  the  whole  gf  my  intentions 
To  thee  will  I  immediately  reveal 
Xd  piersoto.     With  confusion  and  dismay 
•But  if  the  foe  precipitate  thejr  flight. 
Give  ear,  ^nd  follow  where  the  clanging  trump 
Summons  thee  forth,  for  then  I  cannot  wait. 
But  will  this  night  attack  the  Grecian  host. 
Storm  their  entrenchmentSj  and  destroy  their  fleet. 

JENEAS. 

Dispatch  the  messenger  without  delay. 
For  you  now  think  discreetly,  and  in  me 


24«  RHESUS. 

HECTOK. 

VVhv  com'st  thou  hither 
With  this  tumultuous  haste? 

CHORUS. 

Be  of  good  cheer. 

HECTOR. 

I  am.     Hast  thou  disco ver'd  in  the  camp 
This  night  some  treachery  ? 

CHORUS. 

None. 

HECTOR. 

Why  then  deserting 
The  post  where  thou  art  station'd,  dost  thou  rouse 
The  troops,  unless  thou  thro'  this  midnight  gloom 
Bring  some  important  tidings  ?  know'st  thou  not 
That  near  the  Argive  host  we  under  arra» 
Take  our  repose. 

CHORUS. 

Prepare  your  brave  allies : 
Go  to  their  chambers,  bid  them  wield  the  spear^ 
Rouse  them  from  slumber,  and  dispatch  your  friendt 
To  your  own  troop ;  caparison  the  steeds. 
Who  bears  the  swift  alarm  to  (2)  Pantheub'  son  ? 
Who  to  (3)  Europa's  offspring,  Lycia's  chief? 

(2)  We  meet  with  tliree  sons  of  Panthcus  hi  Homer:  Polydaauu^  who 
is  mentioDed  in  several  battles,  and  is  chiefly  known  by  his  conference 
with  Hector  m  tlie  12th  book  of  tlie  Iliad  ;  Hyperenor,  killed  by  Hene. 
kuis  in  the  I4th,  where  he  is  called  Hujoon'  y^^n,  as  bearing  a  considerable 
connnand  in  the  army  (of  whom  Barnes  takes  no  notice),  add  Euphor- 
bus,  who  wounds  Patroclus  in  the  16th,  and  in  attempting  to  revenge 
the  death  of  his  Brother  Hyperenor,  falls  by  the  hind  of  Itfenelaus  in 
single  combat  in  the  17th ;  but  it  is  impossiblis  to  isc^rti^  nHuch  of 
them  Euripides  here  means. 

(3)  Sarpedon,  whom  the  classical  writers  unaminondy  speak  of  as  the 
son  of  Jupiter :  but  though  Herodotus,  Strabo,  and  Apoliodorus,  accord 
with  Euripides  in  calling  Europa,  the  daughter  of  AgenOr,  his  mother, 
he  was,  according  to  Homer,  the  offspring  of  Laodamia,  iidiose  two 
parents  were  Bellerophon,  and  a  daughter  of  lobsttes,  king  of  Lycia : 
their  son  Hippolochus  was  the  father  of  Glaucns.  who,  according  to  the 


RHESUS.  90 

Where  are  the  Priests  who  should  inspect  the  victims? 
Who  leads  the  l»ght-arm*d  squadron  to  the  field? 
And  where  are  Phrygians  archers  ?  let  each  bow 
Be  strung. 

IIECTOR. 

Thy  tidings  are  in  part  alarming, 
In  part  thou  giv'st  us  courage,  tho'  thou  speak 
Nought  plainly.     By  the  terrifying  scourge 
Of  Pan  hast  thou  been  smitten,  that  thou  leav'st 
Thy  station  to  alarm  the  host  ?    Explain 
These  clamorous  sounds.     What  tidings  shall  I  say 
Thou  bring'st  ?   thy  words  are  many,  but  their-drift 
I  comprehend  not. 

CHORUS. 
All  night  long,  O  Hector, 
The  Grecian  camp  hath  kindled  fired,  the  torches 
Amid  their  fleet  are  blazing,  and  the  host 
Tumultuous  rush  to  Agamemnon's  tent. 
At  midnight  calling  on  the  king  t^  assemble 
A  council :  for  the  sailors  never  yet 
Were  thus  alarm'd.     But  I,  because  I  fear 
What  may  ensue,  these  tidings  hither  bring, 
Lest  you  should  charge  me  with  a  breach  of  duty. 

HECTOR. 

Full  seasonably  thou  com'st,  altho*  thou  speak 
Words  fraught  with  terror :  for  these  dastards  hop« 
They  in  their  barks  shall  from  this  shore  escape 
Ere  I  discover  them :  their  kindled  fires 
Prove  this  suspicion.    Thou,  O  partial  Jove, 
Hast  robb'd  me  of  my  triumph,  like  the  prey 
Torn  from  the  lion,  ere  I  have  destroyed 

drcnmstantial  account  given  of  those  two  heroes  m  the  6ft  hwAi  of  the 
Iliad,  possessed,  jointly  with  Saipedon,  Lycia,  the  hereditary  throne  of 
Utar  common  Qiandmotfaer :  but,  according  to  Herodotus  and  Str^o^ 
Sarpedon  obtamed  tha  sovereignty  of  that  country  by  conquest,  and  JMt 
by  inheritance. 

R  2 


•'T- 


2^  RHESUS. 

With  this  avenging  spear  the  Grecian  host* 

Had  not  the  Sun  withdrawn  his  radiant  beams^ 

I  the  successful  battle  had  proiong'd 

Till  I  had  burnt  tlieir  ships^  and  hewn  a  way 

Thro*  their  encampments,  apd  in  slaughter  drenched 

My  bloody  b^nd.     I  would  have  fought  by  night 

And  taken  my  advantage  of  the  gales 

Sent  by  auspicious  fortune  :  but  the  wise, 

And  Seers  who  knew  the  will  of  Heaven,  advis'd  me 

To  wait  but  till  to-morrow's  dawn  appeared. 

And  then  sweep  every  Grecian  from  the  Iand«. 

But  now  no  longer  will  they  stay  to  prove 

The  truth  of  what  my  Prophets  have  foretold: 

For  cowards  in  the  midnight  gloom  are  brave* 

Instantly  therefore  thro'  the  host  proclaim 

These  orders;  ^^Take  up  arms,  and  rouse  from  sleeps' 

Pierc'd  thro'  the  back  as  to  the  ships  he  dies. 

So  shall  full  many  a  dastard  with  his  gore 

Distain  the  steep  ascent;  the  rest  fast  bound 

In  galling  chains  shall  learn  to  till  oik  fields. 

CHORUS. 

0  Hector,  ere  you  learn  the  real  fact. 
You  are  too  hasty  :  for  we  know  not  yet 
That  they  are  flying. 

HECTOR. 

Wherefore  then  by  night 
Are  those  fires  kindled  thro'  the  Grecian  camp? 

CHORUS.  .1 

1  am  not  certain,  tho'  my  soul  full  strongly 
Suspects  the  cause.  . . 

HECTOR. 

If  thou  fear  this,  thou  tremblest 
At  a  mere  shadow. 

CHORUS. 

Such  a  light  ne'er  blaz'd 
Before  among  the  foes. 


RHESUS.  245 

HECTOR. 

Nor  such  defeat 
In  battle,  did  they  e'er  till  now  experience. 

CHORUS. 
This  have  you  done  ;  look  now  to  what  remains. 

HECTOR. 

I  give  this  short  direction ;  take  up  arms 
Against  the  foe. 

CHORUS. 

Behold!  JEneas  comes: 
Sure,  from  his  haste,  some  tidings,  which  deserve 
His  friends'  attentive  ear,  the  warrior  brings, 

^NEAS,  HECTOR,  CHORUS. 

iENEAS. 

What  mean  the  watch,  O  Hector,  who  by  night 
Were  to  their  stations  in  the  camp  assign'd, 
That  they,  with  terror  smitten,  at  your  chamber 
In  a  nocturnal  counsel  have  assembled? 
And  why  is  the  whole  army  thus  in  motion  ? 

HECTOR. 

Put  on  thy  arms,  Mneas. 

JESBAS. 

What  hath  happen^'d  ?    . 
Are  you  inform 'd  that  in  this  midnight  gloom 
The  foe  hath  form'd  some  stratagem  ? 

HECTOR. 

They  fly ! 
They  mount  their  ships. 

.   iENEAS. 

What  proof  have  you  of  this  r 

HECTOR. 

All  night  their  torches  blaze;  to  me  they  seem 
As  if  they  would  pot  wait  to-morrow's  dawn : 
But,  kindling  fires  upon  their  lofty  decks. 
They  sure  fly  homeward  from  this  hostile  land. 


246  RHESUS. 

JENEAS. 
But  why,  if  it  be.thus,  prepare  your  tr^oops 
Por  battle  f 

HECTOR. 

As  tbey  mount  the  deck,  this  spear 
Shall  overtake  the  dastards;  I  their  flight 
Will  harrass:  for 'twere  base,  and  prejudicial 
As  well  as  base,  when  Heaven  delivers  up 
The  foe.  into  our  hands,  to  suffer  those 
Who  wrong'd  us  to  escape  without  a  conflict. 

JESEAS. 

Ah !  would  to  Heaven  you  equally  stood  foremost 
In  wisdom,  as  in  courage:  but  one  man 
By  bounteous  nature  never  was  endued 
With  knowledge  universal :   various  gifts 
Doth  she  dispense,  to  you  the  warrior's  palm, 
(4)  To  others  sapient  counsels :   now  you  hear 
Their  torches  blaze,  you  thence  infer  the  Oreeka 
Are  flying,  and  would  lead  the  troops  by  night 
Over  the  trenches  :  but  when  you  have  passM 
The  yawning  fosse,  should  you  perceive  the  foes. 
Instead  of  flying  from  the  land,  resist. 
With  dauntless  courage,  your  protended  spear. 
If  you  are  vanquish'd,  to  these  sheltering  walls 
You  never  can  return  ;  for  in  their  flight 
How  shall  the  troops  o'er  slanting  palisades 
Escape,  or,  how  the  charioteer  direct 
Over  the  narrow  bridge  his  crashing  wheels  ? 
If  you  prevail,  you  have  a  foe  at  hand. 
The  son  of  Pejeus,  fron^  your  flaming  torches 
Who  will  protect  tlie  fleets  nor  suffer  you 
Utterly  to  destroy  the  Grecian  host 
As  you  expect ;  for  he  is  brave.     Our  troops 

,  (4)  See  the  conference  between  Annibal  and  Af aherbal,  after  tbe  yic* 
tory  gained  over  the  Romans  at  Canpae ;  m  Livy,  PltttaiGh^ft  I^  of 
Fabius,  and  RoOio  Hiatoire  Romaine. 


RHESUS.  247 

0 

Let  us  then  leave  to  rest  horn  ma»tial  toils, 
And  sleep  beside  their  shields.    That  we  dispatch 
Amid  the  foe  some  voluntary  spy, 
Is  my  advice :   if  they  prepare  for  flight, 
Let  us  assail  the  Greeks  ;   but  if  those  iires 
Are  kindled  to  ensn»re  us,   having  learned 
The  enemies' intentions,  let  us  hold 
A  second  council  on  this  great  emprise. 
Illustrious  chief,  I  have  declared  my  thoughts, 

CHORUS. 
I. 

These  counsels  I  approve:  thy  wayward  scheme 

O  Hector,  change,    and  think  the  same  : 

For  perilous  commands  I  deem. 
Given  by  the  headstrong  chief,  deserve  our  blame. 

Why  send  not  to  the  fleet  a  spy. 
Who  may  approach  the  trenches,  and  descry 
With  what  intent  our  foes  upon  the  strand 

Have  kindled  many  a  flaming  brand? 

HEcraR. 

Ye  have  prevail'd,  because  ye  all  concur 
In  one  opinion  :  but  depart,  prepare 
Thy  fellow-soldiers,  for  perhaps  the  host 
May  by  the  rumoi^rs  of  our  nightly  couacil 
Se  put  in  motion •     I  wtll  send  a  spy 
Among  the  Greeks  ;   and  if  we  learn  what  schemes 
They  have  devis'd,  the  whole  of  my  intentions 
To  thee  will  I  immediately  reveal 
Xd  piersoto.     With  confusion  and  dismay 
•But  if  the  foe  precipitate  thejr  flight. 
Give  ear,  and  follow  where  the  clanging  trump 
Summons  thee  forth,  for  then  I  cannot  wait. 
But  will  this  night  attack  the  Grecian  host. 
Storm  their  entrenchmentSj  and  destroy  their  fleet. 

JENEAS. 

Dispatch  the  messenger  without  delay. 
For  you  now  think  discreetly,  and  in  me 


248  RHESUS. 

Shall  find,  when  needed,  in  your  bold  emprise 

A  firm  associate.  [Exit  ^neas. 

HECTOR. 
What  brave  Trojan,  present 
At  this  our  conference,   as  a  spy  will  go 
T'  explore  the  Grecian  navy  ?  to  this  land 
What  generous  benefactor  will  arise  ? 
Who  answers  ?   for  I  singly  cannot  serve 
The  cause  of  Troy  and  its  confederate  bands 
In  every  station, 

(5)  DOLON. 

For  my  native  realm, 
Facing  this  danger,  to  the  fleet  of  Greece 
1  as  a  spy  will  go ;    and  when  Fve  searched 
Into  the  progress  of  our  foes,   return  : 
But  I  on  these  conditions  undertake 
The  toilsome  enterprise  — 

HECTOR. 

Thou  well  deserv'st 
Thy  name,  and  to  thy  country  art  a  friend, 
O  Dolon  ;  for  this  day  thy  (fi)  father's  house. 
Which  is  already  noble,  thou  exalt'st 
With  double  fame. 

(5)  Though  Dolon  now  makes  his  first  appemance  as  a  speaker,  he 
has  evidently  been  on  the  stage  during  the  whole  of  the  conference  be- 
tween Hector  and  .£neas  ;  he  must  therefore,  either  have  entered  wHk 
the  latter,  c»r  as  I  am  rather  inclined  to  think,  is  one  of  the  watch  wbo 
form  the  Chorus,  and  remains  undistinguished  among  the  body,  till  he 
comes  forward,  to  accept  the  employment  offered  by  Hector :  the  word 
AoXav,  Dolon,  the  name  of  our  adventurer,  signifies  both  in  the  Giedk 
and  Latin  languages  a  kind  of  stafl^  with  a  littie  rapier  concealed  in  it. 
Plutarch  in  his  Lives  of  the  two  Gracchuses,  speaks  of  these  weapons,  as 
only  made  use  oi  by  assassins;  but  Virgil  has  armed  the  followers  of 
Aventinus  vntfa  them, 

Pila  mauu  soevosque  gerunt  in  bella  Dolones. 

Hence  arises  the  pim  with  which  Hector  begins  his  answer;  but  these 
strokes  of  low  wit,  which  are  too  frequent  in  the  writings  of  the  antientB, 
are  impossible  to  be  retained  in  a  translation,  nor  is  the  loss  of  them  (in  a 
tragedy  especially)  tc^  be  in  the  least  regretted. 
(6)  The  Father  of  Dolon,  according  to  Homer,  was  named  Eumedet. 


RHESUS.  249 

DOLON. 
I  therefore  ought  to  strive : 
But  after  all  my  labours  let  me  reap 
A  suitable  reward.     If  gain  arise 
From  the  performance  of  the  task  enjoin'd. 
We  feel  a  twofold  joy. 

HECTOR. 

This  were  but  just : 
I  contradict  thee  not :  name  thy  reward ; 
Choose  what  thou  wilt,  except  the  rank  I  bear* 

DOLON. 

Your  rich  domains  I  wish  not  to  possess. 

HECTOR. 

To  thee  a  daughter  of  imperial  Priam 
In  marriage  shall  be  given. 

DOLON. 

With  my  superiors 
I  will  not  wed. 

HECTOR,  *    t 

Abundant  gold  is  ours, 
If  thou  prefer  this  stipend. 

DOLON. 

My  own  house 
With  wealth  is  furnish'd,  I  am  far  remote 
From  want. 

HECTOR. 

What  then  dost  thou  desire  that  Troy 
Contains? 

DOLON. 

When  you  h^j|e  conquei'd  the  proud  Greeks, 

Promise  to  give  me 

HECTOR. 

I  will  give  the  all 
That  thou  canst  ask,  except  my  royal  captives. 

DOLON. 

Slay  them ;  I  seek  not  to  withhold  your  arm 
From  cutting  off  the  vanquished  Menelaus. 


t50  RHESUS- 

HECTOR. 

Is  it  thy  wish,  Oileus'  son  to  thee  (7) 
Should  be  consign'd  ? 

DOLON. 

The  hands  of  princes^  nmiur'4 
Effeminately,  are  notform'd  to  till 
The  stubborn  spil- 

HECTOR. 
From  which  of  ,all  the  Greeki^ 
Taken  alive  would'st  thou  receive  bis  ransom  ? 

DOLON. 
Already  have  I  told  you,  that  at  home 
I  have  abundant  riches, 

HECTOR. 

Thou  shalt  choose 
Among  our  spoils. 

dOlon. 

For  offerings  let  them  hang 
High  in  the  temples  of  the  Gods. 

HECTOR. 

What  gift 
Greater  than  these  canst  thou  from  me  require  ? 

DOLON. 

Achilles'  steeds:  for  when  I  stake  mj  life 
On  Fortune's  dye,  *twere  reasonable  to  strive 
For  such  an  object  as  deserves  my  toils. 

(7)  Ajax,  frequently  called  the  **  less/'  to  distinguish  hifii  from  the 
•on  of  Telamon;  Homer  marks  out  his  inferiority  of  strength  and 
stature  in  the  strongest  terms. 

Mtuur,  tm   Togos  ye,  ccng  Tshafxatta;   Aia^ 

AXXa  iToXf    fjisiuftj  oXiyo;   jocfv   ztiv*  II.    L.   2»    V.   5!28. 

All  these  words  in  the  Greek  are  by  Pope  contracted  into  ^  Ajax  the 
^'  less :"  Homer  represents  him  as  a  man  of  the  most  undaunted  courage^ 
but  having  had  the  audaciousness  to  ravish  Cassandra  in  the  temple  4»f 
Min^rva^  he  perished  by  shipwreck  in  his  return  from  the  siege  of  Troy, 
bis  fate  being  recorded,  with  some  variations,  by  Homer,  Quintus  Calaber, 
Virgil,  and  several  other  writers. 


BHESU&  251 

HECTOR. 

Although  thou  in  thy  wishes  to  possess 
Those  steeds  hast  interfer'd  with  me  :  ,for  sprang 
From  an  immortal  race  themselves  immortal 
They  bear  Pelides  through  the  ranks  of  war, 
Neptune,  'tis  said,  the  king  of  ocean,  tam'd  them 
And  gave  to  Peleus  :  f,  who  prompted  thee 
To  this  emprise,  will  not  bely  thy  hopes, 
But  to  adorn  thy  noble  Father's  house. 
On  thee  Achilles'  generous  steeds  bestow. 

DOLON. 

This  claims  my  gratitude  :  if  I  sacceed» 
My  courage  will  for  me  obtain  a  palm, 
Such  as  no  Phrygian  ever  won  before  : 
Nor  should  you  envy  me,  for  joys  unnumber'd 
And  the  first  station  in  the  reftim,  are  yours. 

[Exit  HECTOR. 
CHORUS. 

II. 

The  danger's  great,   but  great  rewards  allure 

Thee,  generous  youth,  t'  assert  thy  claim^ 

Thrice  blest  if  thou  the  gift  procure. 
Yet  will  thy  toils  deserve  immortal  fame  : 

Th'  allies  of  kings  let  grandeur  tend. 
May  Heaven  and  Justice  thy  emprise  befriend. 
For  thou  already  seem'st  to  have  acquired 

All  that  from  man  can  be  desir'd. 

DOLON. 
I  am  resolv'd  to  go :  but  my  own  doors 
First  must  I  enter,  and  myself  attire 
In  such  a  garb  as  suits  my  present  scheme, 
Thence  will  I  hasten  to  the  Argive  fleet. 

CHORUS.  .  i 

What  other  dress  intend'st  thou  to  assume 
Instead  of  that  thou  wear'st  ? 

DOLON. 

Such  as  befits 


25t  BHESUS. 

My  errand  and  the  stealth  with  which  I  travel, 

CHORUS. 
We  ought  to  gain  instruction  from  the  wise. 
What  covering  hast  thou  chosen  for  thy  body? 

DOLON. 

I  to  my  back  will  fit  the  tawny  hide 
Of  a  slain  (8)  wolf^  will  muffle  up  my  front 
With  the  beast's  hairy  visage,  fit  my  hands 
To  his  fore-feet,  thrust  into  those  behind 
My  legs,  and  imitate  his  savage  gait;    . 
Approaching  ujidiscover'd  by  the  foe. 
The  trenches  and  the  ramparts  that  defend 
The  navy  :   but  whenever  I  shall  come 
To  desert  places,  on  two  feet  I  mean 
To  travel  :  such  deception  haye  I  fram'd. 

CHORUS. 

^     May  Hermes,  Maia's  offspring,  who  presides 
O'er  well-conducted  fallacies,  assist 
Thy  journey  thither,  and  with  safety  lead 
Thy  homeward  steps !  for  well  thou  understand'st 
The  business ;  there  is  nought  which  yet  thou  need'st 
But  good  success. 

DOLON. 

I  shall  return  in  safety. 
And  having  slain  Ulysses,  or  the  son 

(8)  We  are  here  referred  by  Dr.  Musgrave  to  Josephus,  who  mforms 
US,  that  when  he  was  besieged  in  Josapata  by  Vespasian,  he  foand 
means  for  a  time  to  send  letters  to  his  countrymen  without  the  walls  by 
disguising  his  messengers  in  hides  that  they  might  be  taken  for  dogs. 
Villoison  thinks  the  shepherd  Dorcon  in  Longus,  who  puts  on  a  wolTs 
hide  to  fright  Chloe  his  obdurate  mistress,  acts  much  more  in  character 
than  Dolon,  and  I  confess  the  Usya^txa,  fxny^^ceta  of  the  citizen  in  the 
Arcanen^s  of  Aristophanes,  who  makes  his  daughters  disguise  them- 
selves like  Pigs  and  creep  into  a  sack  that  he  may  sell  them  to  Dicae- 
polis,  strikes  me  as  a  well-pointed  ridicule  on  this  stratagem  of  Dolon: 
though  I  do  not  find  any  reference  made  in  either  of  these  passages  froni 
one  author  to  the  other,  by  the  editors  of  Euripides,  or  even  those  of 
Aristophanes,  whom  we  naturally  expect  to  be  more  ready  in  point* 
ing  out  paralleb  of  this  nature. 


RHESUS.  263 

a 

Of  Tydeus,  bring  to  you  their  ghastly  heads: 
For  (9)  omens  of  assur'd  success  are  mine : 
Then  say  that  Dolon  reach'd  tlie  Grecian  fleet. 
These  hands  distain'd  with  gore,  my  native  walls 
Will  I  revisit  ere  the  Sun  arise.  \_Exit  dolon*  ^ 

CHORUS, 

ODE. 

i.     1. 

O  thou,  who  issuing  with  majestic  tread 
From  Delian,  Lycian,  or  Thymbraean  fanes, 
Twang'st  thy  unerring  bow;  on  Phrygia's  plains, 
Apollo^  thy  celestial  influence  shed. 

Hither  come  with  nightly  speedy 

The  enterprizing  Chief  to  lead 
Through  mazes  undiscover'd  by  our  foes ; 

Aid  thy  lov'd  Dardanian  line, 

For  matchless  strength  was  ever  thine. 
Constructed  by  thy  hand  Troys  antient  bulwarks  rose. 

I.     2. 
Speed  Dolon's  journey  to  the  Grecian  fleet,      ' 
Let  him  espy  th'  entrenchments  of  their  host; 
Again  in  triumph  from  the  stormy  coast 
Conduct  the  warrior  to  his  native  seat ; 
May  he  mount  that  chariot  drawn 
By  steeds  that  brows'd  the  Phthian  lawn 
When  our  brave  lord,  the  Mars  of  Greece,  hath  slain; 

(9)  Apprehending  the  word  <xvfj&ikav  in  this  passage  ought  to  be 
rendered  an  **  Omen**  (which  Henry  Stephens^  Thes.  Gr.  Ling«  V.  I. 
p.  705,  shews  to  be  sometimes  its  meaning,  by  instances  from  t'liitarcb, 
Xenophon,  &c.  ''  quod  signum  sit  rei  ititm-ae),  and  not  the  sign  or  token 
of  a  victory  ahneady  gained ;  I  continue  the  reading  of  ^x*^  wilh  Aldus, 
Barnes,  &c.  Dr.  Musgrave  has  altered  it  into  sy(M  on  the  ai^thority  of 
two  manuscripts  which  he  has  specified  in  his  note,  but  on  referring  from 
tiience  to  the  list  he  has  given  in  V.  I.  p.  381  of  hlsT  edition  of  Euripides, 
we  are  induced  to  suppose  that  the  Aldine  reading  of  eiau  is  sup* 
ported  by  a  greater  number  of  vianuicnpts  of  kt  least  eipial  .weight  and 
antiqmty. 


254  RHESUS. 

Coursers  of  unrivard  speed. 

Which  erst  to  Eacus's  seed 
To  Peleus,  Neptune  gave  who  rules  the  billowy  main. 

11.     1. 
His  country,  liis  paternal  walls,  to  save. 
The  generous  youth  explores  the  anchored  fleet : 
From  me  such  worth  shall  due  encomiums  meet. 
How  few  with  hardy  bosoms  stem  the  wave. 

When  Hyperion  veils  his  face. 

And  cities  tremble  on  their  base  ! 
At  this  dread  crisis  Phrygian  heroes  rise, 

Mysian  chiefs,  uncurb'd  by  fear. 

Brandish  with  nervous  arm  the  spear : 
Curst  be  tile  lying  tongue  that  slanders  my  allies. 

11.     2. 
In  savage  guise  now  Dolon  stalks  array'd. 
With  step  adventurous  o'er  the  hostile  ground : 
What  Grecian  chief  shall  feel  the  deadly  wound. 
While  the  wolfs  hide  conceals  his  glittering  blade  ? 

Weltering  first  in  crimson  gore, 

May  Menelaus  rise  no  more; 
Next  may  the  victor,  Agamemnon's  head  • 

Bear  to  Helen,  stung  with  grief 

At  her  affinity  to  that  fam'd  chief 
Who  in  a  thousand  ships  to  Troy  his  squadrons  led. 

A  SHEPHERD,  HECTOR,  CHORUS. 

SHEPHERD. 

Most  gracious  monarch,  may  I  ever  greet 
My  lords  with  tidings  such  as  now  I  bring! 

HECTOR. 
Full  oft  misapprehension  clouds  the  soul 
Of  simple  rustics:  to  thy  Lord  in  arms 
Tbou  of  thy  fleepy  charge  art  come  to  speaK 
At  this  unseemly  crisis :  know'st  thou  not 
My  mansion,  or  the  palace  of  my  Sire  f 
There  ought'st  thou  to  relate  how  fare  thy  nock» 


HHESUS.  «55 

SHEPHERD. 

We  shepherds  are>  I  own,  a  simple  tace^ 
\'et  my  intelligence  deserves  attention. 

HECTOR. 

Such  fortunes  as  befall  the  fold,  to  me 
Helate  not,  for  I  carry  in  this  hand 
The  battle  and  the  spear. 

SHEPHERD. 

I  too  am  cottie 
Such  tidings  to  unfold ;  for  a  brave  Chief, 
Your  friend,  the  leader  of  a  numerous  host, 
Marches  to  fight  the  battles  of  this  realm. 

HECTOR. 

But  from  what  country  ? 

SHEPHERD. 

Thrace,  and  he  is  call'd 
The  son  of  Strymon. 

HECTOR, 

Didst  thou  say,  that  Rhesus 
Hath  enter'd  Ilion's  fields  f 

SHEPHERD. 

You  comprehend  me. 
And  have  anticipated  half  my  speech. 

HECTOR. 
Why  doth  he  travel  over  Ida's  hill. 
Deserting  that  broad  path  where  loaded  wains 
With  ease  might  move  ? 

SHEPHERD. 

I  have  no  certain  knowledge : 
Yet  may  we  form  conjectures ;  'tis  a  scheme 
Most  prudent,  with  his  host  to  march  by  night 
Because  he  hears  the  plaiu  with  hostile  band« 
Is  cover'd :  but  us  rustics  he  alarm'd, 
Who  dwell  on  Ida's  mpunt,  the  antient  (10)  seat 

(10)  **  The  Poet  here  seems  to  allude  to  Homer^  aeconnt  of  the 
''  momitam  Ida  being  inhabited  before  Troy  was  buUt  in  theplahi^ 


256  RHESUS. 

Of  Uion's  fii-st  inhabitants,  by  night 

When  through  that  wood,  the  haunt  of  savage  beasts. 

The  warrior  trod  ?  for  with  a  mighty  shout 

The  Thracian  host  rush'd  on,  but  we,  our  flocks. 

With  terror  smitten,  to  the  summit  drove, 

Lest  any  Greek  should  come  to  seize  the  prey. 

And  waste  your  crowded  stalls:  till  we  discovered       ' 

Voices  so  different  from  th'  Hellenian  tribes. 

That  we  no  longer  fear'd  them.     I  advanced. 

And  in  the  Thracian  language^  made  enquiry 

Of  the  king's  vanguard,  as  they  mov'd  along 

To'  explore  a  passage  for  the  host,  what  name 

Their  leader  bore,  sprung  from  what  noble  Sire, 

To  Ilion's  walls  he  came,  the  friend  of  Priam. 

When  I  had  heard  each  circumstance  I  wish'd 

To  know,  I  for  a  time  stood  motipnless. 

And  saw  majestic  Rhesus,  like  a  God 

High  in  his  chariot,  drawn  by  Thracian  steeds 

Whiter  than  snow,  a  golden  beam  confin'd 

Their  necks,  and  o'er  his  shoulders  hiing  a  shield 

Adorn'd  with  sculptures  wrought  in  massive  gold; 

Like  that  which  in  Minerva's  iEgis  flames. 

Bound  on  the  coursers'  front,  a  brazen  Gorgon 

Tinkled  incessant  with  alarming  sound. 

The  numbers  of  an  army  so  immense 

AXX*   eS'  vTKufeiug  wxeov  zooXion^axv   I^.  H.  L«  20*  V*  216* 

Ition  then 
(The  city  since  of  many-languag'd  men) 
Was  not.    The  natives  were  content  to  till 
The  shady  foot  of  Ida's  fountfol  hill.  Pops. 

<<  he  therefore  calls  it  avro^w,  fis  be}ng  the  sole  root  fsoni' which  tbe  hi- 
<<  habitants  of  that  nation  traped  their  origin."        Dr.  Mu9GRAV£.  , 

Strabo  comments  on  Homer's  description  of  the  tomb  of  Ilus,  Ae 
founder  of  Troy,  from  whom  that  city  derived  its  name  of  Sion,  which 
is  spoken  of  as  situated  in  the  middle  of  the  plain ;  by  conjecturing  that 
he  was  there  interred  because  he  was  the  first  vrho  ventured  to  leave  the 
mountain* 


RHESUS.  S57 

I  cannot  calculate ;  the  horse  were  many. 
Many  the  ranks  of  troops  with  bucklers  arni'd. 
And  archers ;  and  a  countless  multitude. 
Light  infantry  in  Thracian  vests  array'd 
Brought  up  the  rear.    Such  is  th'  ally  who  comes 
On  Troy's  behalf  to  combat;  nor  by  flight, 
Nor  by  withstanding  his  protended  spear. 
Can  Peleus'  son  escape  him. 

CHORUS. 

When  the  Gods 

« 

Are  to  a  realm  propitious,  each  event 
Is  easily  converted  into  bliss. 

HECTOR. 
Since  I  in  battle  prosper,  and  since  Jove 
Is  on  our  side,  I  shall  have  many  Mends; 
But  those  we  need  not  who  in  former  time 
Our  toils  partook  not,  with  malignant  blast 
When  on  the  sfitils  of  Ilion  Mars  had  breath'd. 
Rhesus  hath  shewn  too  plainly  what  a  friend 
He  is  to  Troyj  for  to  the  feast  he  comes. 
Yet  was  he  absent  when  the  hunters  seiz'd  ^ 

Their  prey,  nor  did  he  share  the  toils  of  war. 

CflORUS. 

You  justly  scorn  such  friends;  yet,  O  receive 
Those  who  would  aid  the  city. 

HECTOR. 

We  Who  Ibng 
Have  guarded  Ilion  can  defend  it  now*         * 

CHORUS. 

'  Are  you  pei*suaded  you  have  gain'd  already 
A  triamph  p*er  the  foes  ? 

SpgrOR. 
I  am  persuaded. 
And  when  to-morraw%  Sun  the  Heaven  ascends 
This  shall  be  prov*d. 

CHORUS. 

^  -  Beware  of  wbat  may  happen; 

VOL.  II.  8 


558  RHESUS. 

Jove  ofi*  o'eithiows  the. prosperous, 

HECTOR* 

I  abhor 
These  tardy  succours. 

SHEPHERD, 

O,  my  Lord,  'twere  odiousy 
Should  you  reject  with  scorn  the  proffered  aid 
Of  our  allies :  the  sight  pf  such  an  host 
Will  strike  the  foe  with  terror* 

CHORUS. 

Since  he  comes 

But  as  a  guest,  not  partner  in  the  war> 
Let  him  approach  your  hospitable  board. 
For  little  thanks  are  due  from  Priam*«  sons   j     ; 
To  such  confederates. 

HECTOR.  ,  ,1    . 

Prudent  are  tby  counsds^  >.•-) 
Thou  too  bast  rightJy  judg'd  f.  and  in  QompIiaDoe.   / ' 
With  what  the  mesteugef  hath  said,  let  Rheinis.        i 
Refulgent  in  his  golden  arms  diaw  near,  . 
For  Uion  shall  receive  him  as  her  friend. 

\JEMt  jS^HfiPHERD. 
CHORUS. 

^     O      D      £• 
I.      1. 

Daughter  of  Jove,  forbear  to  wreak 
Impending  vengeance,  though  the  tongue, 
(lO  O  Nemesis,  its. boastful  strain  prolong:: 
I  the  free  dictates  of  my  soul  will  speak. 

I 

(11)  *'  It  is  universally  known  that  Nemesis  was  esteemed  by  tbe  an- 
'*  tients  the  avenger  of  arrogance  and  insolence.  See  the  Adagy  of  Eras- 
<<  mus  OQ  AdrastKan  Nemesis,  aind  becMise  Jupiter,  as  Sophoeks  obiervct, 

fxeya^np  7>«wriiff  x(i|ul'S»f 

Tff^fX^flugo.  AtiMgone,  V.  if ^        '  '    * 

bates  the  boastings  of  the  proud,  .    ! 

Francklin. 
**  f  hen  they  were  diq^osed  to  speak  lo  pompous  terms,  as  Gasper  StiW. 


RHESUS.  259 

Thou  com'st  brave  son  of  that  illustrious  spring. 
Thou  com*st  thrice  welcome  to  our  social  hall; 
At  length  doth  thy  Pierian  Mother  bring 
Her  favoured  child,  while  lingering  in  his  fall, 
Adorn*d  by  many  a  bridge,  thee  with  paternal  call 

I.     2. 
Doth  Strymon  summon  to  the  field  i  of  yore 
When  he  the  tuneful  Muse  address'd, 
A  gliding  stream  he  sought  her  snowy  breast. 
Thee,  lovely  youth,  the  yielding  Goddess  bore: 
To  us  thou  com'st  a  tutelary  power 
Yoking  thy  coursers  to  the  fervid  car : 
O  Phrygia !  O  my  country!  at  this  hour 
Hastes  thy  deliverer  glittering  from  afar. 
Him  may'st  thou  call  thy  Jove,  thy  thunderbolt  of  war. 

n.   1. 

While  swiftly  glides  th*  unheeded  day. 

Again  shall  Troy  without  control 
Chant  the  young  Loves,  and  o'er  the  foaming  bowl 
The  sportive  contest  urge  'midst  banquets  gay  ; 
But  Atreus*s  sons  desponding  cross  the  wave,     ' 
And  sail  from  Ilion  to  the  Spartan  strand. 
Accomplish  what  thy  friends  foretold,  O  save 
These  menaced  walls  by  thy  victorious  hand. 
Return  with  laurels  crown'd,  and  bless  thy  native  land. 

n.  2. 

To  dazzle  fierce  Pelides'  sight, 

Before  him  wave  thy  golden  shield 

Obliquely  rais'd,  that  meteor  of  the  field. 

Vault  from  thy  chariot  with  unriyal'd  might,  . 

And  brandish  with  each  dextrous  hand  a  lance ; 

♦ 
«... 

*  linus  says,  either  of  transcendent  valonr  and  .invincible  power,  or  of 
"  any  late  success,  on  whiclvthey  founded  the  ntmMt  confidence,  the 
"  antients  therefore  strove  to  deprecate  the  vrratfa  of  Nemcjsis,'  who  was 
"  wont  to  prbliibit  find  punii^  unreasonable  hO]^.  Hence  the  Chorus  ol" 
"  Trojans,  who  expected  every  thing  from  :t^e jnight  and  courage  of 
"  Rhestts,  first  strive  to  reconcile  Nemesis  to  themsclve»i"    Barnes. 

82 


260  RHESUS. 

Whoever  strives  with  thee  shall  ne'er  return 
To  Argive  fanes,  and  join  Saturnia's  Datice^ 
He  by  the  spear  of  Thrace  in  combat  slain^ 
Shall  lie  a  breathless  cor:3e  on  Troy's  exulting  plain. 

Hail,  mighty  chief!  ye  Thracian  realms,  the  mien 
Of  him  ye  bore  speaks  his  exalted  rank. 
Observe  those  nervous  limbs  with  plated  gold 
Incas'd,  and  hearken  to  those  tinkling  chains 
Which  on  his  shield  are  hung.     A  God,  O  Troy, 
E'en  Mars  himself,  from  Strymon's  current  sprung. 
And  from  the  Muse,  brings  this  auspicious  gale. 

RHESUS,  HECTOR,  CHORUS. 

RHESUS. 

Thou  brave  descendant  of  a  noble  Sire, 
Lord  of  this  realm,  O  Hector,  I  accost  thee 
After  a  tedious  absence,  and  rejoice 
In  thy  success,  for  to  the  turrets  rear'd 
By  Greece,  thou  now  lay*st  siege,  and  I  am  come 
With  thee  those  hostile  bulwarks  to  o'eithrow. 
And  burn  their  fleet. 

HECTOR. 

Son  of  the  tuneful  Mus^, 
And  Thracian  Strymon's  stream,  I  ever  love 
To  speak  the  truth,  for  I  am  not  a  man 
Vers'd  in  duplicity;  long,  long  ago. 
Should  you  have  come  to  succour  Troy,  nor  suffered. 
Far  as  on  you  depended,  by  our  foes 
This  city  to  be  ta'en.     You  cannot  say 
That  uninvited  by  5^our  friends  you  came  not. 
Because  you  mark'd  not  our  distress.     What  heralds. 
What  {embassies  to  you  did  Phrygia  send. 
Beseeching  you,  the  city  to  protect, 
What  fiomptuous  presents  did  she  not  bestow  ? 
But  you,  our  kinsman,  who  derive  your  birtk 
From  a  Barbarian  ^eto*,  to  (Sreece  betray*d 


J 


RHESUS.  261 

Us,  a  (12)  Barbarian  nation,  tho'  fji^om  ruling 
Ovei  a  petcy  stai^,  by  this  right  arm 
I  rais'd  you  to  the  wide-ex  tended  throne, 
When  round  Pangaeum  and  Paeon ia's  realm 
Rushing  upon  the  hardiest  Thracian  troops 
I  broke  their  ranks  of  battle,   and  subdued 
The  people  to  your  empire  :  but  you  spurn 
^     My  benefits,  nor  come  with  speed  to  succour 

Your  friends  in  their  distress.  Tho'  they  who  spring  not 

From  the  same  ancestors,  observ'd  our  summons ; 

Of  whom  full  many  in  yon  field  of  death 

Have  tombs  heap'd  o'er  them,  a  most  glorjous  proof 

Of  faith  unshaken  ;  others  under  arms 

Their  cliariots  mount,   and  stedfastly  endure 

The  wintry  blasts,  the  parching  flames  of  heaven. 

Nor  on  a  gay  convivial  couch  rpcljn'd 

Like  you,  O  Rhesus,  dr^iin  the  frequent  bowl. 

IHiat  you  may  know  I  yet,  can  stand  alone, 

Such  conduct  I  resent;   this  to  your  fiice 

I  speak. 

RHESUS. 

I  also  am  the  same :  my  language 

(12)  L^  tiiere  should  appear  to  the  r^der  any  incoufUteocy  in. Hec- 
tor's calling  his  own  nation  Barbarians,  it  may  not  be  unseasonable  to  ob- 
sei've,  that  the  true  classical  definition  of  tlie  term  seems  to  be  that  giy^ 
by  Freret  in  the  Acad.  de»  Inscript.  Tom.  21.  Hist.  p.  14.  "  cette  qnali* 
''  fication  des  Barbares  signitie  -des  peuples  ([vA  ne  sont  point  admis  dans 
*^  le  corps  Hellenique.**  .^l&cbylns  in  his  Per^ac  puts  that  expression  qpt 
only  into  the  mouth  of  the  messenger*  who  brings  to  Atossa  tiding  of 
Xerxes*  defeat,  but  more  than  once  into  that  of  the  old  men  who  goyem 
the  kingdom  during  their  Monarch's  absence,  and  form  the  Oioms. 
Mr.  Bryant,  in  his  <'  Observations  oa  various  parts  of  Antient  Histoi^'^'* 
has  indeed  laid  a  most  unusual  stress  on  tiie  word  BacSofoi,  as  implied  by 
St.  Paul  to  the  inhabitants  of  Uie  island  Melita,  and  thence  inferred  that 
they  were  a  people  remarkable  for  their  ferociousness,  but  E)0^in  r*  xm 
Bafit^i;,  is  the  lauguage  as  weU  of  St  Paul  as  of  tlie  Classical  writers ; 
and  Cicero  complains  that  the  Greek  Physicians  made  as  much  havoc  in 
his  time  at  Rome  as  if  they  had  entered  into  a  conspiracy,  Baibaros 
omnes  necare. 


•<  .. 


«6«  RHESUS. 

Is  plain  and  honest ;   I  am  not  a  man 
Of  mean  duplicity.     My  soul  was  tortur'd     . 
With  greater  anguish  far  than  thou  could'st  feel. 
Because  I  was  not  present  in  this  land : 
But  Scythians  tribes  who  near  our  confines  dwell 
Made  war  against  me  just  as  I  to  Troy 
Was  journeying;  I  had  reach'd  the  Euxine  shore 
To  sail  with  Thracia's  host,  the  Scythian  blood 
There  stain'd  our  spears^  and  my  brave  troops  expir'd 
Midst  intermingled  slaughter:  this  event 
IJinder'd  my  reaching  Troy,   and  aiding  thee 
In  battle.     Having  conquer'd  them,  and  taken 
For  hostages  their  children,  them  I  bound 
To  pay  me  annual  tribute ;   with  my  fleet 
Then  cross'd  the  Hellesppnt,  and  marched  on  foot 
Thro'  various  realms,  nor,  as  thou  proudly  say'st, 
Prain'd  the  intoxicating  bowl,  nor  slept 
Beneath  a  gilded  roof,  but  to  such  blasts 
As  cover  with  thick  ice  the  Thracian  (IS)  wave. 
Or  thro'  Paeonia  howl,  was  I  expos'd 
Wrapt  in  this  niantle  many  a  sleepless  nighj. 
But  I,  tho'  late,   am  in  due  season  come  : 
For  this  is  the  tenth  year  since  thou  hast  wag*d 
An  ineffectual  w^^r,  day  afte^  day 
By  thee  is  idly  lavished,  while  the  dye 
Of  battle  twixt  the  Argive  host  and  thine 
/  Spins  doubtful  ere  it  fall.     But  it  for  me 
Will  be  sufficient  that  the  sun  onpe  mount 
The  heavens,  while  I  their  bulwarks  storm,  invade 
^Their  fleet,  and  slay  the  Greeks.    To  my  own  home 
I  the  next  day  from  Ilion  will  return 

IfUfMvat  Boftao*  Cal^n.  in  Delum.  v.  24, 

Towers  and  walls 
jStrymonean  Boreas  levels  vfith  the  ground. 

Dodd's  Callimachus. 


.i*-^" 


RHESUS.  263 

Thy  toils  soon  ending :  let  no  Trojan  bear 
A  shield :  for  with  this  spear  will  I  sabdue 
The  boasters,  tbo'  'twas  late  ere  I  arriv'd. 

CHORUS. 
My  soul  this  language  doth  approve. 
Such  friends  as  thou  are  sent  by  Jove, 
But  humbly  I  that  God  beseech. 
To  pardon  thy  presumptuous  speech. 
The  navy  launched  from  Argos'  strand, 
Tho'  freighted  ^^ith  a  daring  band, 
Neither  in  (14)  former  times,   nor  now 
Contain'd  a  Chief  more  brave  than  thou« 
How  shall  Achilles'  self  withstand. 
Or  Ajax  meet,   thy  vengeful  hand? 
O  may  the  morn  with  orient  ray 
Exhibit  that  auspicious  day. 
When  thou  the  victor's  prize  shalt  gain 
And  dye  with  crimson  gore  the  plain. 

RHESUS. 
Soon  with  exploits  like  these  will  I  atone 
For  my  long  absence :  but,  with  due  submission 
To  Nemesis,  I  speak  ;  when  from  the  foe 
We  have  delivered  this  beleaguer'd  city 
And  seiz'd  their  spoils  for  offerings  to  the  Gods;     * 
With  thee  to  Argos  will  I  go,  invade. 
And  ravage  with  victorious  arms,  all  Greece, 
To  teach  them  in  their  turn  what  'tis  to  suffer. 

HECTOR. 

Could  I  escape  from  the  impending  stroke, 
And  with  that  safety  which  we  erst  enjoy'd 
These  walls  inhabit,   I  to  Heaven  should  pay 

(14)  The  word  Hpif  refers  to  the  first  expedition  a^nst  Troy  con- 
ducted by  Hercules,  he  being  an  inhabitant  of  Ars^os,  of  which  A^- 
memnon  afterwards  was  King.  These  exaggerated  encomiums  are  how* 
ever  somewhat  qualified  by  the  Chorus  beginning  with  deprecating  the 
wrath  of  Heaven,  or  Nemesis,  whom  Rhesus*  boastfiU  language  might 
tiave  offended. 


264  RHESUS. 

Full  many  a  grateful  vow :  but  as  for  Argos, 
As  for  the  Grecian  States,  to  lay  them  waste 
By  arms,  were  far  less  easy  than  you  speak  of. 

RHESUS. 

Is  it  not  said  the  bravest  chiefs  of  Greece 
Came  hither  ? 

HECTOR. 

Them  I  hold  not  in  contempt. 

But  long  have  kept  at  bay.  "^   ' .' 

RHESUS. 

When  thesis  are  slain, 
We  therefore  each  obstruction  have  remov'd. 

HECTOR. 

Forbear  to  think  of  distant  prospects  now. 
While  our  immediate  interests  lie  peglected. 

RHESUS. 

Art  thou  so  tame  as  to  endure  such  wfongs 
Without  retorting  them  f 

HECTOR. 

While  I  maifltaia 
What  I  possess,  my  empire  is  sufficient. 
But  freely  take  your  choice,  or  in  the  left 
Or  the  right  wing,  or  center  of  our  host 
Display  your  shield;  and  range  your  troops  ajround. 

RHESUS. 

I  singly  will  encounter  all  our  foes, 
O  Hector ;  bet  if  thou  esteem  it  basfe  * 
Not  to  assist  me  when!  bum  their  fleet, 
Because  thou  hart  already  toiPd  so  loDg> 
Oppose  me  to  Achilles  in  the  front 
Of  battle. 

HECTOR. 

We  at  him  no  spear  must  aim. 

RHESUS. 

Yet  was  I  told  he  sail'd  for  Troy. 

HECTOR. 

He  sail'd, 


RHESUS.  •        0.6$ 

And  still  is  here,  But  angry  with  the  chiefs^ 
Kefuses  to  as^st  themu 

KHESUS. 

In  the  camp 
Of  Greece,  say  who  is  jecond  in  renown  ? 

HECTOR. 

AjaK,  I  deem,  and  Tydeus*  son  are  ^qual 
To  any;  but  most  fluent  in  his  speech. 
And  with  sufficient  fortitude  inspir'd. 
Is  that  Ulysses,  from  whom  Troy  hath  suffer'd 
Insults  the  most  atrocious;  for  by  night. 
Entering  Minerva's  fane,  he  stole  her  image. 
And  bore  it  to  the  Grecian  fleet :  disguis'd 
In  tatter'd  vest,  that  vile  impostor  next 
Enter'd  the  gates,  and  cnrs'd  the  Argivie  host^ 
Sent  as  a  apy  to  Ilion  ;  having  slain 
The  centinels,  he  thro'  the  gates  escaped. 
And  in  some  fraudful  scheme  is  ever  found  : 
(15)  At  the  T^ymbrsnan  temple  is  he  ^tation'd 
Hard  by  our  ramparts,  we  in  him  contend 
With  a  most  grievous  pest* 

RHESUS. 

T\ke  valiant  man 
Is  never  meaD  enough  to  slay  his  foes 
By  stealth,  he  loves  to  meet  them  face  to  face ; 
But,  as  for  him,  the  recreant  Chief  thpu  nam'st^ 
Who  lurking  with  a  thievish  purpose  frames 
These  dark  contrivances,  as  thro'  the  gates 
I  sally  forth  to  combat,  I  will«eize  him; 
Driven  thro*  his  back,  my  spear  shall  leave  tb^  mljscreant 

(15)  Strabo  speakjs.  of  this  temple,  sacred  to  Apollo,  as  situated  at 
the  spot  where  a  river  called  Thymbrius  flows  into  the  Scamander,  at 
the  distance  of  fi^y  stadk,  or  about  six  miles  and  a  quarter  from  Troy : 
in  this  temple  Achilles  is  related  to  have  been  treacherously  slain  by  the 
shafts  of  Paris,  who  invited  him  to  a  conference  in  regard  to  the  mar- 
riage of  Polyxena.  Dolon,  m  Homer,  informs  Ulysses  that  Thymbiia 
was  occupied  by  an  encampment  of  Phrygian  troops,  and  a  numerous 
body  of  th€ir  adies. 


/ 


«66  RHESUS. 

Fopd  for  the  vultures,  for  the  impious  robber 
Who  spoils  the  temples  of  the  Gods  deserves 
No  better  fate, 

HECTOR. 

Now  choose,  for  it  is  nighty 
The  spot  for  an  encampment :  I  will  shew  you 
A  separate  quarter  where  your  troops  must  sleep* 
But  mark  me  well,  Apollo  is  the  watch-word  ; 
In  case  of  an  emergency,  announce 
This  signal  to  the  Thracian  host.  [Exit  rhesus. 

Extend 
The  watch  beyond  the  lines,  and  there  receive 
Dolon  our  spy,  who  sallied  forth  t'  explore 
The  navy  of  our  foes ;  if  he  be  safe 
He^  by  this  time,  the  trenches  must  approach.    . 

[Exit    HECTOR. 
CHORUS. 
I. 

Who  comes  this  rampart  to  defend  f 
The  times  assign'd  us  centinels  is  o'er ; 
Yon  fading  constellation  shines  no  more 
Now  the  seven  Pleiades  the  heaven  ascend. 

In  ether  view  the  Eagle  glide. 

Wake !  what  means  this  long  delay  ? 

Rise  and  watch  ;  now  dawns  the  day. 
Saw  ye  the  Moon  diflFuse  her  radiance  wide  ? 
Aurora  is  at  hand  :  but  at  the  gate 
(ForDolon  sure  returns)  what  faithful  guard  shall  wait? 

SEMICHORUS. 

To  whom  did  the  first  watch  belong? 

SEMICHORUS. 

Tis  s^i<l 
Choraebus,  son  of  (1 6)  Mygdon,  js  their  chief. 

(16)  "  Mygdon  and  Otreus  were  sons  of  Dymas,  whom  some  writers 
**  affirm  to  have  been  father  of  Hecuba ;  and  Homer  himself  caljfl 
"^  Asius,  who  is  also  son  of  Dymas,  th«  brother  of  Hecuba:  but  Eiurqud^, 


RHESUS.  ^Cyf^ 

SEMICHORUS. 

Who  in  his  room  was  stationed  ? 

SEMICHORUS. 

/  The  Paeonians 

Cfall'd  frocqi  their  tent  Cilicia's  hardy  troops. 

SEMICHORUS. 

The  Mysians  summon'd  us. 

SEMICHORUS. 

Haste,  let  us  seek 
The  fifth  division  of  the  watch,  and  rouse 
Xycia's  braye  warriors  as  by  lot  ordain'd. 

CHORUS.  ! 

n. 

Hark!  couch'd  on  her  ilI-omen*d  nest, 
Fell  murderess  of  her  (I?)  Son,  in  varied  strains 

^  Atiienion,  aiid  Teleclides,  are  of  opinion,  that  si^e  was  daughter  of 
^*  CisBeiis.  See  Eastathius  on  the  Iliad,  f.  643. 1.  28.  and  f.  1082. 1.  60. 
■^  and  ed.  Rom.  1542."    Barnes. 

(17)  By  making  use  of  the  tenn  nmiox/iou^  in  speaking  <jf  tfie' Nightin- 
gale, Earipides  expresses  himself  conformably  with  Homer,  whose  ac- 
count of  the  transaction  alluded  to,  we  find,  on  an  examination,  of  the 
text  (Odyssey  L.  19.  v.  518.)  and  Scholia  of  Eiistathius,  to  be  as  fol- 
lows :  Aedon,  daughter  of  Pandareus,  was  married  to  Zethus,  by  whom 
she  had  one  son  naiped  Itylus ;  envying  the  numerous  progeny  of  her 
brother  in  law  Amph^on,  she  resolved  to  murder  her  eldest  nephew 
Amaleus,  but  by  mistake  killed  her  own  soiu    Perceiving  her  error,  she 
Implore^  the  Gods  to  remove  her  from  humankind,  and  was  thereupon 
changed  into  a  Nightingale.    Her  tale  is  very  circumstantially  related, 
with  some  variations,  by  Antoninus  liberalis,  in  his  Metamorphoses, 
Ch.  11th ;  but  ^chylus,  and  after  him  Sophocles  and  Euripides,  have 
indeed  altered  the  name  of  Itylus  into  Itys,  and  how  far  Ovid  may  have 
copied  the  three  Greek  tragedians  in  calling  the  son  of  Tereus  and 
Progne,  Itys,  is  a  point  foreign  to  my  enquiry  :  but  as  Barnes  in  a  note 
^n  tiie  passf^ge  in  Homer  observes,  the  tale  inserted  in  the  sixth  book  of 
the  Metamorphoses  is  essentially  different  both  in  the  names  and  circum- 
stances.   After  examining  the  passages  referred  to  by  Servius  in  his  note 
oil  Qoas  ilU  philonaela  dapes  quse  dona  pararit ;  in  the  6th  Eclogue  €»f 
VirgU,  and  many  more  yvh^ch  have  occurred  to  me,  the  authorities  I  col- 
lect among  the  Gree^  writers  for  his  assertion,  that  most  of  them  represent 
ProfpiiS  instead  of  Philomela  as  changed  into  a  Nightingale,  are  the  IStk 
Ode  of  Anacreon,  a  passage  or  two  in  Apollodorus,  and  tiic  narrationa 
pf  Conon :  Gorgias  the  Sophister,  in  Plutarch's  Symposia,  expsotidate^ 


«68  RHESUS. 

Near  Simois'  banks  the  Niglitiagale  complains; 
What  sounds  melodious  heave  her  throbbing  breast.' 
The  flocks  on  Ida  wont  to  feed 
Still  browse  o'er  that  airy  height. 
Soothing  the  cold  ear  of  night. 
Hark  to  the  mnrmuis  of  the  pastoral  reed. 
Sleep  on  our  closing  eyelids  gently  steals; 
Sweet  are  its  dews  when  morn  her  earliest  dawn  reveals, 
SEMICHORUS. 
But  wherefore  doth  not  he  draw  near  whom  Hector 
Sent  to  explore  the  fleet  ? 

SEMICHOEUS. 

He  h^th  so  long 
]Been  absent  that  I  tremble. 

SEMICHORUS. 

If  he  fell 
Into  some  ambush,  and  is  skin,   we  ioon 
Shall  have  sufficient  cause  for  fear. 
SEMICHORUS- 

But  haate. 
Rouse  Lycia's  warriors  as  by  lot  ordain'd. 

{Exit  cuoRcs. 

ULYSSES,  DIOMEDE. 

ULYSSES. 

Heard'st  thou,  O  Diomede,  the  sound  of  arms. 
Or  in  these  ears  did  empty  murmurs  ring ! 
DIOMEDEi 

No  :  but  the  steely  trappings  which  are  link'd 
To  yonder  chariots,  rattled,  and  I  too 

nitb  PhUtmela  wlien  a  SteaOmc  bad  dunged  upon  hiia.  Arist.  RlieV 
L.  3.  c  5.  igrplauds  the  tlistinclion,  as  the  action,  tliougli  not  UDbccom- 
ing  a  Bird,  would  haie  been  so  in  a  Damsel:  but  most  oTtbe  witieQt 
Greek  nritersfoUow  the  history  cited  from  Homer,  and  with  them  Aniuv, 
fisnlGea  the  Nigjitinsale,  as  does  Pliilomelu  In  the  Latin  Poel*.  Wluit- 
ever  mistakes  maj  have  aiiscn  in  later  times  from  the  iiyudicions  blend- 
ii^  of  the  two  Btoiies,  the  writings  of  those  Greek  PmIi  nfio  use  tiw 
term  Aria  for  Nightingale,  clearly  point  out  the  Btoi;  tltey  aHado^to. 


ftHESUSt  269 

"%Vith  vain  alarm  Was  seizM,  till  I  perceiv'd 
•The  coursers,  who  their  clanging  harness  shook. 

ULYSSES. 

Beware,  lest  in  this  gloom  of  night  thou  stumble 
"WTpon  the  centinels, 

DIOMEDE. 

Tho'  in  the  dark 
We  tread,  I  with  such  caution  will  direct 
3fy  steps  as  not  to  err. 

ULYSSES. 

But,  should'st  thou  wake  them, 
*rhou  know'st  the  watch-word  of  their  host 

DIOMEDE. 

I  know 
It  is  Apollo ;  this  I  heard  fi-om  Dolon* 

tJLYSSteS. 

Ha!  I  perceive  our  foes  have  left  these  chambers.  \ 

DIOMteDE. 

Here,  Dolon  told  us,  is  tb^  tent  of  Hettor } 
"Gainst  hinr  I  ttield  this  javelin. 

ULYSSES." 

What  hadh  happened  ? 
Is  the  whole  squadron  too  elsewhere  remov'd  I 

DIOMEDE. 

Perchance  they  too  Against  us  may  have  contriv'd 
Some  stratagem.  ^ 

ULYSSES. 

For  Hector  n'6w  is  brave 
Since  he  hath  coftquery.  * 

DtOMEDS:. 

How  shall  we  proceed  ? 
For  in  this  chamber  him  ^^'caiihot  fiSd, 
And  all  our  hopek  are  vapish'd. 

■  UIJYifeiES.  ■        '  *  ,.^ 

To  the  fleet  ,' 

Let  (Is  in  haste  return  :  for  tiiin  some  God 


S70  RHESUS. 

Protects,  and  crowns  him  with  triutiiphant  wreaths : 
We  must  not  strive  'gainst  Fortune's  dread  behests, 

DIOMEDE. 

Then  to  iEneas  will  we  go,  or  Paris 
That  Phrygian  most  abhorr'd,  and  with  our  swords 
Lop  off  their  heads. 

ULYSSES. 

But  how,  in  darkness  wrapt, 
Canst  thou  direct  thy  passage  thro'  the  troops^ 
To  slay  them  without  danger  i 

DIOMEDE. 

Yet  'twere  base^ 
Back  to  the  Grecian  fleet  should  we  return. 
No  fresh  exploit  performing  'gainst  the  /oe- 

ULYSSES. 

What  means  this  language?  hast  ftot  thou  performed 
A  great  exploit  i  have  we  not  slain  the  spy 
Who  to  our  navy  went,  and  are  not  these 
The  spoils  of  Dolonf  how  canst  thou  expect    . 
To  spread  a  general  havoc  thro'  their  troops  I 
Comply  ;  let  us  retire  :  may  Fortune  speed 
Our  progress  homeward. 

MINERVA,  ULYSSES,  DIOMEDE. 

MINERVA. 

With  affliction  stuDg> 
Why  from  the  Trojan  camp  do  ye  retire  ? 
Altho'  the  Gods  forbid  you  to  destroy 
Hector  or  Paris,  heard  ye  not  that  Rhesus,        <  . 
A  mighty  chief,  with  numerous  troops  is  come 
To  Troy  f  if  he  outlives  thi^  night,  nor  Ajax, 
Nor  can  Achilles  hinder  him  from  wasting 
The  camp  of  Greece,  demolishing  your  walls, »;      .^  .^ 
And  forcing  a  wide  passage  thro'  your  gates 
With  his  victorious  spear :  him  slay,  and  all 
Is  yours;  but  gp.not^to  the  couch  of  Hector,      7.. , 


RHESUS.  271 

Nor  hope  to  leave  that  chief  a  weltering  tnink^ 
For  he  must  perish  hy  another  hand  fib) 

ULYSSES. 

Dread  Goddess,  O  Minerva,  I  distinguish'd 
Thy  well-known  voice :  for  midst  unnumber'd  toils 
Thou  ever  dost  support  me  :  but,  O  say 
Where  sleeps  the  mighty  warrior  thou  hast  nam'd, 
And  in  what  part  of  the  Barbarian  host 
Have  they  assign'd  his  station  ?j 

MIN£RVA. 

Near  at  hand. 
And  separate  from  the  Phrygian  troops,  he  lies ; 
Hector  hath  plac'd  him  jusx  without  the  lines 
Till  morn  arise ;  conspicuous  in  the  gloom 
Of  night, .  aad  close  beside  their  sleeping  lord, 
Yok'd  to  the  car  his  Thracian  coursers  stand. 
White  as  the  glossy  plumage  of  the  swan: 
Them  bear  away  when  ye  have  slain  their  lord,    ,-■   ■  ■ 
A  glorious  prize,  for  the  whole  world  can  boast 
No  car  beside  drawp  by  such  beauteous  steeds. 

ULYSSES.  >■ 

Either  do  thou,  O  Diomede,  transpierce 
Th6  Thracian  soldiers,  or  to  me  consign 
That  task  ;  meanwhile  seize  thou  the  steeds. 

PIOMEDE. 

To  slay 
The  foe  be  mine ;  do  you  the  coursers  guide. 
For  you  are  practis'd  in  each  nicer  art. 
And  quick  of  apprehension.  C  To  each  n^an  ) 
Should  that  peculiar  station  be  assign'd       j 
In  which  he  can  be  useful. )  ^ 

MINERVA. 

But  to  us 
Paris  I  see  is  coming,  who  hath  heard 

(18)  Virgi]*s M^x iUost s«a  fttamanenl nwOore  sub hoste, 

<<  BoUi  doom'd  to  fall,  but  611  hy  greater  hands."         Drydeh. 

where  he  »  spi^iduvig.  of  Palbui  and'  Inusus  as  pressiqg  on  to  encomler 
each  other,  i^  a  V^^  ioi^totioi^  iwi^jipprdTeDaent  on  .tbi^  Un^    ^    .  r 


272  RHESUS. 

A  doubtful  rumour  from  the  watch^  that  foes 
Enter.the  trenches* 

PIOMEDE. 

Hath  he  any  comrade^ 
Or  marches  he  alone  ? 

MINERVA. 

Alone  he  seems 
To  go  to  Hector's  chamber,  to  announce 
That  there  are  foes  discovered  in  the  camp. 

DIOMEDE. 

Is  it  not  first  ordain'd  that  he  shall  dief 

MINERVA. 

You  can  no  more,  the  Destinies  forbid : 
For  Hector  must  not  perish  by  your  hand  ; 
But  haste  to  him  on  whom  ye  came  to  wreak 
Fate's  dreadful  purposes :  myself  meanwhile 
Assuming  Venus'  form,  who  midst  the  toils 
Of  battle  by  her  tutelary  care 
Protects  him,  will  with  empty  words  detain 
Paris  your  foe.    Thus  much  have  I  declar'd  : 
Yet  he,  whom  you  must  smite,  tho'  near  at  hand,  . 
Nor  knows,  nor  hears,  the  words  which  I  have  uttePd. 

[Exeunt  vLYsszii'and diomebEi 

PARIS,  MINERVA. 

PARIS. 

General  and  brother.  Hector,  thee  I  call: 
Yet  sleep'st  thou?  doth  not  this  important  hour 
Demand  thy  vigilance  i  some  foes  approach^ 
Robbers  or  spies. 

MINERVA.  -       , 

Be  of  good  cheer;  for  Venus 
Protects  you:  I  in  all  your  battles  feel 
An  interest,  mindful  of  the  prize  I  gain'd 
FavourM  by  you,  and  am  for  ever  grateftd : 
Now  to  the  host  of  {lion  I  conduct 
Your  noble  Thracian  Arietrfy  who  from  the  Muse^    . 
Harmonious  Goddess,  and  frMiStijrttrOB  springti.    *  - 


RHESUS.  £75 

PARIS. 

To  Troy  and  me  thou  ever  art  a  friend. 
In  thy  behalf  when  I  that  judgement  gave^ 
I  boast  that  for  this  city  1  obtaia'd 
The  greatest  treasure  life  affords.     But  hither,  .    : 

Hearing  an  indistinct  account^  I  come ;  ■•  i 

For  'mong  the  guards  there  hath  prevailed  a  rumour. 
That  Grecian  spies  have  enter'd  Ilion's  walls: 
Tho'  the  astonished  messenger  who  bore 
These  tidings,  saw  th^m  not  himself,  nor  knows 
Who  saw  them  :  I  on  this  account  am  going 
To  Hector's  tent. 

MINiERVA. 

Fear  nought;  for  in.tbe  camp 
No  n<iw  event  hath  happeu'd.    To  arrange 
The  Thracian  troops  is  Hector  gone. 

PARIS. 

.      Thy  word! 
Are  most  persuasive,  and  to  them  I  yield    - 
Implicit  credence.    From  all  fears  releas'd, 
I  to  my  former  station  will  return.    / 

MINERVA. 

Go  and  depend  upon  my  guardian  care 
To  see  my  faithful  votaries  ever  blest; 
For  you  in  me  shall  Qnd  a  eealoiiajfriend.  [£jrtY  paris. 

ULYSSES,  DIOMEDE,  MINERVA. 

MINERVA. 

But' now  to  you,  my. real  friends,  I  speak. 
Son  of  I^aertes,  O  conceal  your  sword. 
For  we  have  slain  the  Taracian  Chief,  and  seiz'd   . 
Hii  coursers,  but  our  foes  have  ta^entfa'  alarm 
Add'tush  upon  you,  therefore  fly  With  spe^, 
Fly  ;to  the  naval  ramparts.     \Vihy.  delay  . 
To  sAve  your  lives  when  hostile  throngs  approach  i 

[Ent  MlNEKtA. 
VOL.   II.  T 


«74  RHESUS. 

CHORUS,  ULYSSES,  DIOMEDE. 

CHORUS. 

Come  on,  strike,  strike,  destroy.  Who  inarches  yonder? 
Look,  look,  'tis  him  I  mean  !  these  are  the  robbers 
Who  in  the  dead  of  night  alarm'd  our  host. 
Hither,  my  friends,  haste  hither;  I  have  seiz'd  tbem. 
What  answer  mnk'st thou?  tell  me  whence  thou  c«mV/ 
And  who  thou  art. 

ULYSSES. 

No  right  hast  thou  to  know; 
Insult  nie,  and  this  instant  thou  sbalt  die^ 

CHORUS. 

Wilt  thou  not,  ere  this  lance  transpierce  thy  breast. 
Repeat  the  watch-word  ? 

ULYSSES. 

That  thou  soon  shalt  hear; 
Be  satisfy'd. 

SEMICHORUS  I. 

Come  on,  my  friends,   strike!  strike! 

SEMICHORUS  n. 

Hast  thou  slain  Rhesus  i 

ULYSSES. 

(19)  I  haye  slain  the  man 
Who  would  have  murder'd  thee :  forbear. 

SEMICHORUS  I. 

I  will  not. 

(19)  After  reading  tlie  observatiotia  on  this  intricate  iMUMtge  in  Petit, 
MisceL  L.  3.  c.  22.  p.  I96,,tnd  Die  notes  of  Heath,  and  Dr.  Mo^giwre, 
I  am  inclined  to  think  with  the  two  former,  timt  these  words  are 
spoken  by  Ulysses,  who,  I  apprehend,  upon  the  CSioros  seeing,  Ibid  Im* 
mediately  knowmg  again,  the  horses  of  Rhesns,  and  tiiereopoli  ttOOag 
bim  if  he  had  macdcred  the  Tbracian  king,  replies,  that  he  baa  aim  ^ 
robber  who  had  alarmed  the  camp,  and  recovered  them  out  of  lus  bawls  ^ 
not  atcording  to  Heath's  idea  that  be  had  been  m  the  Oreoan  cunp, 
killed  one  of  the  enemies  thefi,  and  brought  away  hi$  hones ;  tUo^'of * 
Kliesus  beuig,  aiccbrditig  to  Euripides*  description,  Teiy  easily 
Suishable  in  the  i^t 


-i.    ."vr'"j- 


RHESUS.  275 

SEMICHORUS  n. 

Forbear  to  slay  a  friend. 

SEMICHORUS  I. 

Pionounce  the  watehrw^d. 

ULYSSES,      ■ 

^pollo^ 

SEMICHORUS  II. 

Thou  art  right ;  let  not  a  spear 
Be  lifted  up  against  him.   . 

SEMIGHORUIS  L 

Know'st  thou  thither 
Those  men  are  gone  f       - 

SEMICHORUS  U. 

We  saw  not. 

SEMICHORUS  I. 

follow  close 
Their  steps,  or  we-  must  call  aloud  for  aid. 

SEMIC]90RUS  II. 

Yet  were  it  most  unseemly  to  disturb 
Our  valiant  comrades  with  our  nightly  fear^. 

[Exeunt  ulysses  and  diomedi* 

CHORUS. 
O    D     E. 

_  • 

What  Cl^ief  is  he,  who  mov'd  along; 

What  daring  plunderer  fleet  and  strong, 

Shall  boast  he  'scap'dimy  vengeful  hand? 

How  overt^e  his  r^pid  flight? 

To  whom  compare  him,  whoby  ijight. 
With  dauntless  step  pass'd  thro'  our  armed  ba^d 

And  slumbering  guards  ?  doth  he  reside^ 
In  Thessaly,  near  ogeap's  boisterous  tide 
In  Locris,  .or,  those  islands  scatterM  o'er  (20) 

(20)  ByoTto^ct  ^  is  infant  I  ap^reh^iiil  » tbe  life  of  ad  inhiabitaia 
^<  of.  tln$:S|K»OMles,''  .island^. 90, caU(p4i  ik^  tieiqg.iii|i(lely  scattered  ov«r 
the  /Egean  sea;  they  were  principally  occupied.  jbQr-PinUes,  and  wa  find 


2?0  RHESUS. 

The  waves  ?   whence  comes  be  to  this  fell  debate  ? 
What  Power  supreme] doth  he  adore? 

8EMICHORUS  I. 

Was  this  Ulysses'  enterprise,  or  whose? 

SEMICHORUS  II. 

If  we  may  form  our  judgement  from  the  past. 
Who  but  Ulysses  —  ? 

SEMICHORUS  I. 
Think'st  thuu  that  it  w^  ? 

SEMICHORUS  11. 

Why  not  ? 

SEMICHORUS  I. 

He  is  an  enterprizing  foe. 

SEMICHORUS.  II. 

What  bravery?  whom  do  you  applaud? 

SEMICHORUS  I. 

Ulysses. 

SEMICHORUS  II. 
Praisie  not  the  treacherous  weapon  of  a  robber. 

CHORUS. 

n. 

He  enter'd  Ilion  once  before, 

With  foam  his  eyes  were  cover'd  o'er. 

In  tatters  hung  his  squalid  vest; 

He  artfully  conceal'd  hfis  sword, 

And  sued  for  fragments  from  our  board  ; 
Shorn  was  his  head,  and  like  a  beggar  drest; 

He  cufst  with  simulated  hate  *     -     ■' 

Th' Atrides,  rulers  of  the  Grecian  state.  '  '• 

May  just  revenge  his  forfeit  life  demand : 
Would  he  had  perish'd  as  his  crimes  deserve, 

Before  he  reached  the  Phrygian  landi 

SEMICHORUS  I. 
Whether  this  deed  was  by  Ulj'sses  wrought  •  . 

It  matters  not,  I  shrink  }ff\\\x  fear,  for  Hector 

^lander  tiiM  as  a  ttsfk  of  tonfempt,'  in  th«  Aftdroraach^  of  EoHpU 
W  other  tati^tft  writtU  *.     : 


RHESUS.  277 


Will  tp  us  guards  impute  the  blame. 

SEMICHORUS  II. 


Can  he  allege  I 


? 


With  terror? 


What  charge 

SEMICHORUS  I. 
He  will  suspect. 

8EMICH0RUS  II. 

Why  shrink 


SEMICHORUS  I. 
'Twixt  our  ranks  they  pass'd. 

SEMICHORUS  II. 

Who  pass'd  f 

SEMICHORUS  L  :  . 

They,  who  this  night  have  enter'd  Phrygians  camp. 

CHARIOTEER  OF  RHESUS,  CHORUS. 

CHARIOTEER* 

Alas  !  intolerable  stroke  of  fate ! 

SEMICHORUS  I. 

Be  silent. 

SEMICHORUS  IL 

Rouse !  for  some  one  may  have  fallen 
into  the  snare. 

CHARIOTEER. 
O  dire  calamity 
Of  Troy's  allies,  the  Thracians ! 

SEMICHORUS  I. 

Who  is  he 
That  groans  ? 

CHARIOTEER. 
Ah!  wretched, me,  and  O  thou  king 
Of  Thrace,  who  in  an  evil  hour  beheld'st 
Accursed  Ilion  ;  what  an  end  of  life 
Was  thine ! 

CHORUS. 

But  which  of  our  ^lies  art  thou  ? 


278  BHESUS. 

For  o'er  these  eyes  the  gloom  of  night  is  spread^ 
And  I  discern  thee  not. 

r 

CHARIOTEER. 

Where  shall  I  find 
Some  of  the  Trojan  chiefs  ?  beneath  his  shield 

0  where  doth  Hector  taste  the  charms  of  sleep? 
To  which  of  Ihon's  leaders  shall  I  tell 

All  we  have  suffered  ?  and  what  wounds  unseen 
Sonie  stranger  hath  on  us  with  ruthless  hand 
Inflicted  ?  but  he  vanish'd  and  hath  heap'd 
Conspicuous  sorrows  on  the  Thracian  realm. 

CHORUS. 
Some  terrible  disaster  to  the  troops 
Of  Thrace  it  seems  hath  happen^,  if  aright 

1  comprehend  what  I  from  him  have  heaitl.  " 

CHARIOTEER,  . 

Our  host  is  utterly  destroyed,  our  King      ** 
Hath  been  dispatched  by  some  foul  secret  stroke. 
How  am  I  tortur'd  by  a  deadly  wound. 
Yet  know  not  to  what  cause  I  must  impute 
My  perishing !   *Twas  by  the  Fates  ordain'd, 
That  I^  and  Rhesus,  who  to  Ilion  led 
Auxilmr  troops,  ingloriously  should  bleed; 

CHORUS. 
He  in  no  riddle  hath  expressed  the  tale 
Of  our  misfortunes  ;  he  asserts  too  clearly 
That  our  allies  are  slain* 

CHARIOTEER. 

We  are  most  wretched, 
And  to  our  wretchedness  have  join'd  disgrace, 
,  A  twofold  evil.     For,  to  die  with  glory. 
If  glory  must  be  purchasM  at  the  expcfnce 
Of  life,  is  very  bitterness  I  deem 
To  him  who  bleeds :  (for  what  can  make  amends 
For  such  a  loss  as  life?)  but  to  the  living 
Is  he  the  source  of  pride,  from  him  his  house 
Derives  repown.    But  we,  alas !  like  fools. 


RHESUS.  279 

Ignobly  perish.     Hector  in  the  camp 
No  sooner  fix'd  our  station^  and  pronounc'd 
The  watch-word,  than  we  slept  upon  the  plain, 
O'ercome  with  toil ;  no  centinels  were  stationed    ' 
To  watch  our  troops  by  night,  nor  were  our  armi 
Duly  arrang'd,  and  to  the  hamess'd  steeds 
Hung  no  alarm  bell;  for  our  Monarch  heard 
That  ye  had  prov'd  victorious,  and  with  ruin 
Threatened  the  Grecian  fleet.     Immers'd  we  lay 
.In  luckless  slumber;  till  disturb'd  in  mind 
I  started  up,  and  with  a  liberal  hand 
Measur'd  the  coursers'  food,  resolv'd  betimes 
To  yoke  them  for  the  battle.     I  beheld 
Two  men,  who,  in  the  midnight  darkness,  walked 
Around  our  camp;  but  when  I  mov'd,  they  fled. 
And  disappear'4  immediately  ;  with  threats 
1  bade  them  keep  aloof :  'twas  my  conjecture 
That  robbers,  some  of  our  own  countrymen. 
Approach 'd  :  they  answer*d  not,  nor  know  1  more. 
Returning  to  my  tent,  again  I  slept,  :• 

And  forms  tremendous  hover'd  in  my  dream* 
For  near  my  royal  Master,  as  I  stood, 
I  saw  two  visionary  wolves  ascend 
Those  coursers*  backs  which  I  was  wont  to  guide, 
OIV  lashing  with  their  tails  they  tbrc'd  them  on. 
Indignant  breathing  as  they  champ'd  the  bit. 
And  struggling  with  dismay;  but  in  attempting 
To  drive  away  these  ravenous  beasts,  I  woke, 
RousM  by  the  terrors  of  the  night,  and  heard. 
Soon  as  1  rais'd  my  head^  expiring  groans; 
The  tepid  current  of  my  Mastei-'s  blood. 
Yet  gasping  in  the  agonies  of  death. 
Besprinkled  me.     As  from  the  couch  I  leaped 
Unarm'd,  and  sought  for  weapons,  some  strong  warrior 
Smote  with  his  sword  my  ribs;  the  ghastly  wound 
Display'd  his  might:  prostrate  I  sunk  to  earth. 
Blearing  the  steeds  away,  and  glittering  car. 


S80  RHESUS. 

They  by  the  swiftness  af  their  feet  escap'd,         ,  ^ 
Tortur'd  with  pain,  too  faint  to  stand,  I  know 
Too  well  the  dire  calamity  these  eyes 
Beheld  ;  but  cannot  say,  or  through  whatmeann. 
Or  by  the  hand  of  whom,  my  Lord  was  slain ; 
Yet  can  I  guess  that  by  our  friends  we  suffer. 

CHORUS, 

O  Charioteer  of  Thracia's  wretched  King, 
Be  well  assur'd  this  deed  was  by  our  foes 
Committed.     For  lo  Hector's  self,  apprized 
Of  this  calamity,  draws  near;  he  feels 
Such  anguish  as  he  ought  for  thy  disasters. 

HECTOR,  CHARIOTEER  OF  RHESUS, 

CHORUS. 

HECTOR. 

O  ye  accursed  authors  of  this  mischief. 
How  did  those  spies,  who  by  the  foe  were  sent,    • 
Thus,  to  your  infamy,  escape,  and  spread 
Dire  havoc  through  the  host;  both  as  they  entered 
And  as  they  left  the  camp?     Yet,  unmolested, 
Ye  suffered  them  to  pass.     Who  should  be  punish'd 
But  you  ?  for  you,  I  say,  were  station'd  here 
To  watch  the  camp;  but  they  without  a  wound 
Are  vanished,  laughing  at  the  Phrygian  troops 
For  their  unmanly  cowardice,  and  me 
Their  leader*     Be  assur'd,  by  Jove  1  swear. 
All-gracious  Father,  or  the  scourge  or  death 
Shall  wait  you  for  such  guilt,  else  deem  that  Hector 
Is  but  a  thing  of  nought,  a  very  coward, 

CHORUS. 

Great  is,  alas !  iriy  danger,  mighty  Prince, 
The  foe  stole  in  while  I  to  you  convej^'d 
Those  tidings,  that  the  Greeks  around  their  ships 
Had  kindled  fires  :  through  all  the  live-long  night 
These  watchful  eyes  have  ne'er  been  ses^l'd  by  sleeju 
By  Simois*  holy  fountain  I  conjure  you, 


RHESUS.  281 

My  royaT  Lord,  impute  no  blame  to  me. 
For  I  am  wholly  guiltless.     If  you  learn 
That  in  my  detds  or  words  I  have  offended. 
Plunge  me  alive  beneath  earth's  deepest  vault; 
I  ask  no  mercy. 

CtURIOTEER. 

Why  dost  thou  upbraid 
These  for  the  guilt?  by  plausible  harangues 
Would'st  thou  impose  on  thy  Barbarian  friends ; 

0  thou  Barbarian,  thou  the  bloody  deed 

Didst  perpetrate  ;  nor  can  our  slaughter'd  comrades. 

Nor  we  who  linger  pierc'd  with  ghastly  wounds. 

Admit  that  'twas  another.     There  require« 

A  long  and  subtle  speech  to  make  me  think 

Thou  didst  not  basely  murder  thy  allies. 

Because  the  beauty  of  our  steeds  attracted 

Thy  admiration,  and  on  their  account 

Hast  thou  slain  those  \yho  at  thy  earnest  prayer 

Landed  on  Uion's  shore  ;  they  came,  they  died. 

With  greater  decency  than  thou  observ'st. 

Who  dost  assassinate  thy  friends,  did  Paris 

The  rites  of  hospitality  infringe. 

Pretend  not  that  some  Grecian  came  unseen 

And  smote  us.     Who  subdu'd  the  Phrygian  host. 

Who  reach'd  our  quarters  unobserv'd  by  Hector? 

Thou  with  the  Trojan  army  wert  before  us ; 

But  who  was  wounded,  who  among  thy  troops 

Expir'd,  when  thro'^  their  ranks  as  thou  pretend'st 

The  foe  to  us  advanc'd  ?  But  I  was  wounded. 

And  they,  whom  a  more  grievous  ill  o'ertook, 

Ho  more  behold  the  Sun.     To  be  explicit,    - 

1  charge  no  Greek  :  what  foe  could  come  by  night 
And  find  out  Rhesus'  tent,  unless  some  God 

Had  told  the  murderers,  for  they  sure  knew  nought 

Ot  his  (^2 1 )  arrival  ?  therefore  all  this  mischief 

Must  be  thy  sole  contrivance. 

'I 
(31)  The  reading  of  «  2*  a^futot,  which  stands  in  the  various  edition^  v 

from  Aldus  to  Bamcfs,  is  by  Pierson  iajiis  Verisiniilia  altered  into  ^  ^< 


48ft  RHESUS. 

.    HECTOR. 

Our  allies 
Have  long  assisted  us  since  first  the  Greeks 
This  realm  invaded  ;  and  I  never  heard 
They  to  my  charge  imputed  any  crime. 
Could  I  begin  with  thee?  by  such  deshe 
For  beauteous  steeds  may  I  be  never  seiz'd. 
As  to  induce  me  to  destroy  my  friends. 
Ulysses  was  the  author  of  this  deed. 
What  Greek  could  have  accomplish'd  or  contriv*d 
Such  an  exploit,  but  he  ?  him  much  I  fear : 
My  soul  is  also  troubled,  lest  he  light 
On  Dolon  too,  and  slay  him,  for  'tis  long 
Since  he  went  forth,  nor  doth  he  yet  return. 

CHARIOTEER. 
I  know  not  that  Ulysses  whom  thou  nam'st. 
Nor  did  a  foe  inflict  this  ghastly  wound. 

HECTOR. 

Therefore  retain,  since  thus  to  thee  it  seem». 
Thy  own  opinion. 

CHARIOTEER. 

O  n^y  native  laud, 
Might  I  but  die  in  thee  ! 

HECTOR. 

Thou  shalt  not  die : 
For  of  the  dead  the  number  is  sufficient. 

tt^iyixaot,  in  consequence  of  the  aiitlior  of  the  Etymologicam  Magpnw 
citing  vi*  apiyfjum  to  wofxvoy  riirecf  lirom  the  Rhesus  of  Euripideii.  Mr. 
Toup  concurs  with  him,  and  confirms  the  alteration  by  the  same  quota- 
tion from  Snidas ;  fa  does  Dr.  Musgrave  by  t|ie  antfaority  of  three  maim* 
scripts.  I  considered  it  as  incumbent  on  me  to  alter  my  version  coa- 
formably  to  a  reading  thus  established,  especially  as  it  acconU  with  the 
circumstances  of  Rhesus  having  avoided  the  common  road,  and  tra- 
velled over  Mount  Ida  in  the  night,  and  of  Ulytises  and  Diomedc^s  re- ' 
ceiving  their  intelligence  of  Rhesiis*s  arrival  from  Minerva,  as  they  were 
quitting  the  Trojan  camp  on  sot  finding  Hector :  for  they  could  not,  in 
the  present  instance,  liave  extorted  such  information  from  Doloa  as  ip 
Homer,  because  he  in  this  Tragedy  sets  out  to  explore  the  Grrccian 
camp  before  the  Shepherd  brings  tidings  of  Rhesuses  approach. 


RHESUS.  «8S 

CHARIOTEER. 

Reft  of  my  Lord,  but  whither  shall  I  turn  ? 

HECTOR. 

,  Thou  in  my  house  shalt  careful  treatmient  find. 
And  healing  balsams. 

CHARIOTEER. 
Shall  the  ruthless  hands 
Of  murderers  dress  my  wounds? 

HECTOR. 

He  will  not  cease 
Alleging  the  same  charge. 

CHARIOTEER. 

Perdition  seize 
The  author  of  this  bloody  deed  !  my  tongue 
Has  fix'd jpo  charge,  as  thou  pretend'st,  on  thee;, 
But  Justice  knows. 

SECTOR. 

Conduct  him  to  my  palace 
With  speed,  that  we  may  'scape  bis  clamorous  plaints. 
But  you  must  go,  and  to  the  citizens 
Proclaim,  acquainting  Priam,  and  the  elders 
Who  sit  in  council,  first,  that  I  direct 
The  bodies^ of  the  slain  shall  be  interred 
With  due  respect  beiside  the  gublic  road. 

[Exit  CHARIOTEER,  Supported  by  tmtf^ 

hector's  Attendants* 

CHORUS. 
WHiy  from  the  summit  of  exalted  bliss 
Into  fresh  woes  hath  some  malignant  God 
Plung'd  Troy,  why  caus'd  this  sad  reverse  of  fortune? 

The  muse  appears  in   the  air,  HECTOR, 

CHORUS. 

CHORUS. 

High  o'er  our  heads  what  Deity,  O  King, 
Is  hovering  ?  in  her  hands  a  recent  corse   . 
She  bears :  I  shudder  at  the  dreadful  sight.. 


€84  RH£SUS. 

MUSE. 

Ye  Trojans,  mark  we  well :  for  I  a  Muse,- 
Who  by  the  wise  am  worshiped,  hither  come. 
One  of.  the  nine  fam'd  Sisteis,  having  seen 
The  wretched  fate  of  this  my  dearest  son. 
Who  by  the  foe  was  slain  :  but  he  who  smote 
The  generous  youth,  Ulysses,  that  dissembler. 
At  length  shall  suffer  as  his  crimes  deserve. 

ODE. 
I. 

Parental  anguish  rends  my  breast. 
For  thee  my  Son,  my  Son,  I  grieve, 
Thy  Mother  sinks  with  woes  oppress'd . 
Why  didst  thou  take  this  road-,  why  leave- 
Thy  home,  and  march  to  Ilion's  gate,. 
Where  death  did  thy  arrival  wait  ? 
Oft  with  maternal  zeal  I  strove 
Thy  luckless  courage  to  restrain. 
And  oft  thy  Sire  oppos'd  in  vain.    • 
But  now  with  ineffectual  love. 
My  dearest  Son,  thee  now  no  more. 
Thee,  O  my  Son,  must  I  deplore. 

CHORUS. 
As  far  as  bosoms,  by  no  kindred  ties 

United,  can  partake  a  Mother's  grief. 

Do  I  bewail  thy  Son's  untimely  fate, 

MUSE. 
11. 

On  him'  your  tenfold  vengeance  shed 
From  (22)  Oeneus  who  derives  his  birth, 
Smite  base  Ulysses'  perjur'd  head, 
Ye  Fiends  who  desolate  the  earth ; 
Thro*  them  with  agonizing  pain 
I  mourn  my  valiant  offspring  slain ; 

(5^)  Diomede's  father  Tydens  \i  as  son  of  Oen^is,  king  of  Gdyckm, 
by  his  second  Ttife  Peribea,  who,  according  to  ApoUodonis,  was  daugtiter 
•f  HippooouB  tmi  miet  of  Cpp«neqs«r 


hhesus.  ^ss 

May  Helen  too  partake  their  doom^ 
Who  from  her  bridal  mansions  fled. 
And  sought  th*  adulterer's  Phrygian  bed; 
For  thou  in  Troy  art  to  the  tomb 
By  her  consigned  ;  and  many  a  state 
Bewails  its  bravest  warriors'  fate. 

Much  while  on  earth,  and  since  thy  murmuring  ghost 
Was  plung'd  in  Orcus'  dreary  mansions  more, 

0  (fiS)  offspring  of  Philammon^  didst  thou  wound 
My  soul :  that  arrogance  which  caus'd  thy  ruin. 
That  contest  with  Pier^a's  choir,  gave  birth 

To  this  unhappy  youth :  for  having  pass'd 
The  rapid  current,  with  incautious  step 
Approaching  Strymon's  genial  bed,  we  mounted 
Pangscum's  summit,  for  its  golden  mines 
Distinguished  ;  each  melodious  instrument 
Around  us  in  full  concert  breathed ;  our  strife 
Was  there  decided  with  the  Thracian  minstrel; 
That  Thamyris  who  dar'd  blaspheme  our  art. 
We  of  his  eyes  depriv'd.     But  since  I  bore 
Thee,  O  my  Son,  through  deference  for  my  sisters. 
And  for  my  own  reputed  chastity. 
Thee  to  the  watery  mansions  of  thy  Sire 

1  sent ;  and  Strymon,  to  no  human  care,   ^ 
But  to  the  nymphs  who  haunt  his  limpid  founts. 
For  nurture  did  consign  thee:  from  those  virgins 
When,  O  my  dearest  son,  thou  hadst  receiv'd 

(23)  Thamyris,  who,  according  to  Pausanias,  was  the  son  of  Philam* 
mou  9iid  Argiopa,  a  nymph  who  dwelt  on  Parnassus ;  Homer  gives  Uie 
same  account  with  Eiuipides  of  his  being  deprived  of  his  eyes  by  the 
Muses :  he  is  twice  c^d  attpKrrv  by  the  Tragic  Poet,  a  term  which  it  ap- 
pears .by  the  passage  Dr.  Musgrave  has  referred  to  in  Athenasus,  is  also 
ai^^ftlied  to  a  9iusician  in  a  fi-agment  of  i£schylus's.  Suidas  says,  that 
Tiumyria  was  the  eighth  epic  poet  before  Homer,  or  accqrding  to  som» 
the  fifth;  and  meoi^ions  a  poem  of  his  on  the  nature  of  tlie  Gods,  con- 
sitting  of  near  three  thousand  verses  i  we  ai*^  informed  by  Ovid,  tliat  his 
fiither  I>hiiammQn  was  the  sou  of  ApoUo  by  Qiioue  the  daughter  of  D'^e- 
daUou. 


«86  RHESUS. 

The  best  of  educations,  tliou  becam'st 

Monarch  of  Thrace,  the  first  of  men.     I  felf 

No  boding  appreheni4ons  of  thy  death ; 

By  thee,  while  marshalFd  on  thy  native  ground, 

Athirst  for  blood  the  dauntless  squadrons  mov'd« 

But  thee  I  caution'd,  for  I  knew  thy  fate. 

That  thou  to  Troy  should'st  never  go :  but  thee 

Th'  embassadors  of  Hector  and  the  Senate^ 

By  oft  repeated  messages,  persuaded 

To  come  to  the  assistance  of  thy  friends. 

Yet  think  not,  O  Minerva,  thou  sole  cause 

Of  my  son's  fate,  that  thou  those  watchful  eye» 

Hast  scapV] :  Ulysses,  and  the  son  of  Tydeus 

Were  not  the  authors  of  this  bloody  deed, 

Altho' they  gave  the  wound.     We  sister  Muses 

Honour  thy  city,  in  thy  land  we  dwell. 

Orpheus,  the  (24)  kinsman  of  this  hapless  youth 

Whom  thou  hast  slain,  dark  mysteries  did unfcM ; 

And  by  Apollo,  and  our  sister  choir. 

Thy  venerable  citizen  Musseus 

Was  taught  to  soar  beyond  each  warbled  strain 

Of  pristine  melody :  but  in  return 

For  all  these  favours,  bearing  in  my  aruiis 

My  son,  I  utter  this  funereal  dirge: 

But  I  no  other  minstrel  will  employ. 

CHORUS. 

Falsely  the  wounded  Thracian  charioteer 

(24)  Ocagnis,  a  Thracian  king,  was  tiie  father,  and  the  Muse  CaOiopt 
tlie  mother,  of  Orpheus.  Ebripides  distinguishes  the  moflwir  of  Rhesus 
by  no  name  except  that  of  the  Muse ;  but  the  commentatmn  suppose  liet 
to  liave  been  either  Terpsichore  or  Euterpe :  Homer  calls  fifamebs,  and 
not  the  river  Strymon,  his(ather;  and  that  river  was,  ac(:(mfing  to  Tllh 
tarch,  called  Pala>stinus  before  Strymon  son  of  Mars  and  HeKee,  ting 
of  Thrace,  and  fatlier  of  Rhesus,  on  he^iring  of  his  son^s  deatb,  Hufew 
himself  into  it,  and  from  that  time  the  river  was  cidled  Strymon :  bat 
Conon,  in  the  fourth  of  his  Narrations,  iii  a  great  m^easdre  reconciles  tiia 
account  of  Homer  with  that  of  Euripides,  by  iidbmiii^  w,  IbaX  tba 
river  was  called  loncus  before  it  obtained  from  th6  Iteadan  Uiq;  lll^ 
name  of  Str\mon.  . .  ■* 


RHESUS.  ^7 

Charg'd  us  with  a  conspiracy  to  slay  hiui. 

HECTOR. 

Full  well  I  knew,  there  needed  not  a  seer 
T'  inform  me,  tha;t  he  perish'd  by  the  arts 
Of  Ithacus.     But  was  it  not  my  duty 
When  I  my  country  saw  by  Grecian  troops 
Besieg'd,  to  send  forth  heralds  to  my  friends, 
JReg^Hg^yiff  thena  to  aid  usf  I  did  send, 
-And  Rhesuslcarhfe,  €y  gratit«<Je  constrain'd,  - 

Illustrious  partner  of  my  toils.     His  death 
Lan^enting,  will  I  raise  a  tomb  to  grace  ^ 

The  corse  of  my  ally,  and  o*er  the  flame 
Strew  tissued  .vests :  for  with  confederate  arms 
Dauntless  he  came,  tho*  piteous  was  his  death. 

MUSE. 

They  shall  not  plunge  him  in  the  yawning  grave; 
Such  vows  will  I  iaddress  to  Pluto's  Bride, 
Daughter  of  fruitful  Ceres,  to  release 
His  ghost  from  the  drear  shades  beneath  :  she  owes 
To  Orpheus*  fri^nd^  such  honours.    Bdt  henceforth. 
Dead  as  it  were  to  me,  will  he  no  more* 
Behold  the  sua,  we  ne'er  must  m^et  again,  ' 

Nor  shall  he  see  his  Mother,  but  shall  lie 
Conceal'd  beneath  the  caverns  of  that  land 
With  silveirmrnesabounding,  from  a  tfiati  ' 

Exalted  to  a  Godi  restor'd  to  life,         •' 

The  priest  of  Bacchus^  and  of  him  (?5>  who  dwells    ' 

»  ,-       ■    * 

(^)"  **  From  a-t(jjfos  voi&ii  ntoinv  it  appears  that  this  God,  whoever  h« 
^  was,  was  not  generally  acknowledged  and  worshipped :  I  therefor^ 
**  refer  this  to  the  Thraqisn^  Lycnrgus,  who,  according,  to  ApoUodorus^ . 
^  being  imprisoned  in  a  cave  of  the  inpuntain  Pangeum,  was  however 
**  i^tirshipped  by  the  Thracians,'the  ntes  in  honour  of  him  being  united 
«  with  those  of  Bacchus."    iSee  Stiibd,  p.  471.  ed.  Par.    ««  Norinus 
«  gives  much  the  same  account  of  Lycnrgus^  whom,  bowever,  be  makes' 
<<  an  Arabian,"  p.  3d9,  ed.  Fa)khi.  ,«  AV;e  must  not  pass  over  i.yourgu»>! 
"  being  numbered  by  ApoUodorus  auQopg  the  dead  whp  were^ raised  tQ  ^ 
^<  Ufe  by  yEsculapius,  and  the  Scholiast  of  Pindar,  t^ythi  3.  Antis.  3, 
^  mentioQt  Lycurgus'  being  raised  from  the  dead."  Mi^sgrave. 


93B  RHESUS. 

Beneath  Pangeum's  rock,  a  God  adored 

By  those  who  haunt  his  orgies.     But  ere  longi 

To  yonder  Goddess  of  the  briny  waves 

Shall  I  bear  doleful  tidings  :  for  by  fate 

It  is  decreed,  her  offspring  too  shall  die ; 

But  first  our  sisterhood,  in  choral  plaints. 

Will  sing  of  thee,  O  Rhesus,  and  hereafter 

Achilles,  son  of  Thetis,  shall  demand 

Our  elegiac  strains,  not  she  who  slew 

Thee,  hapless  youth,  Minerva,  can  redeem  him  ;; 

Such  an  inevitable  shaft  is  »tor'd 

In  Phoebus'  quiver.     O  ye  pangs  that  rend 

A  mother's  breast,  ye  toils  the  lot  of  man ; 

They  who  behold  you  in  your  real  light 

Will  livo  without  a  progeny,  nor  mourn 

With  hopeless  anguish  o'er  their  children's  tomb. 

.  {Exit  the  MUi 

CHORUS. 

To  bury  the  deceas'd  with  honours  due-. 
Will  be  his  Mother's  care:  but  if>  O  Hector, 
Thou  mean'sr  td  execute  some  great  emprise, 
I'is  now  the  time  :  for  morn  already  dawns. 

HECTOR. 

Go,  and  this  instant  bid  our  comrades  arm. 
Harness  the  steeds:  but  while  ye  in  these  toHs 
Are  busied,  ye  the  signal  must  await, 
Th'  Etrurian  trumpet's  clangor;  for  I  trust . 
I  first  shall  o'er  the  Grecian  host  prevail. 
Shall  storm  their  ramparts^  and  then  burn  tb^r  fleet 
And  that  Hyperion's  orient  beams  wiU.bi'ing 
A  day  of  freedom  to  Troy's  Vfdiant  race. 


CHORUS.  '         ' 


Obey  the  monarch  :  clad  in  glittering  mail 
Let  us  go  forth,  and  his  behests  proclaim 
To  our  associates:  for  that  God  who  fights 
Qur  batiks,  haply,  will  bestow  success. 


THE  TROJAN    CAPTIVES 


Ti)y  vif  «v   tff'x»^*»f90i  ahi9  xanp^ivctlo  x*9^^* 
OAXojiAfytf  ITptA^otOy  x«»   acrrtoq  aiOo/Acyoio* 

Ma>]/    atKec^ofit9vi9'  iri^of   ^*  iripn'   yad*^Af 

QuiNTus  Calabxr. 


▼  OL.  II,  V 


PERSONS  OF  THE  DRAMA. 


NEPTUNE. 

MINERVA. 

HECUBA. 

CHORUS  OF  CAPTIVE  TROJAN  DAME& 

TALTHYBIUS. 

CASSANDRA. 

ANDROMACHE. 

MENELAUS. 

HELEN. 

SCENEr-BEPORE    THE   ENTRANCE  OF  AGAMEMNON^ 
TENT  IN  THE  GRECIAN  CAMP  NEAR  TROY. 


THi:  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 


F 


NEPTUNE. 

ROM  the  ^gean  deep,  in  mazy  dance 
Where  Nereus'  Daughters  glide  with  agile  fcQt, 
I  Neptune  hither  come.     For  rounJ  the  fields"* 
OF  Ilion,  since  Apollo  and  nbyself 
With  symmetry  exact  rear'd  many  a  tower. 
Hewn  froni  the  solid  rock ;   the  love  [  bore 
The  city  where  my  Phrygian  votaries  dwelt. 
Laid  waste  by  Greece,  where  smoke  e'en  now  ascends 
The  heavens,  hath  ne'er  been  tooted  from  this  breast, 
For  oil  Parnassus  bred,  the  Phocian  chief 
Epeus,  by  Minerva's  arts  in^pii'd, 
Fram'd  with  a  skilful  hand,  and  through  the  gates 
Sent  that  accurs'd  machine  the  Horse  which  teem'd 
With  ambush'd  javelins  (1).    Thro'  forsaken  groves, 

4 

(1)  I  find  myself  under  a  necessity  of  leaving  out  the  two  next  lines 
of  the  original,  on  account  of  their  consisting  of  a  pun  not  calculated 
for  being  rendered  into  English.  "  Hence  shall  it  be  called  by  posterity 
«  the  —  (JtfgKMf)  1h^,  on  account  of  thofihidden  spears  {^^v)  con- 
"  tained  in  it."  Tm  Latin  interpreters  render  iu^tuc^  dureusy  which 
Robert  Stephens,'  in  his  Latin  Thesaurus,  considers  &<^  synonymous  with 
ligneus:  but  Pausanias  mentions  a  brazen  statue  of  this  Horse  which  he 
still  calls  iupeios  as  extant  among  tlie  curiosities  in  the  Acropolis  or  citadel 
of  Athens.  By  the  geneatogy  of  Epeus,  which  the  same  writer  has 
given  us  in  his  Gsrintliiaca,  we  are  informed  that  his  father  was  Pano-, 
peus  the  son  of  Phocus,  whence  it  appears  that  Pyrrhus  (to  whom  Eu- 
ripides always  gives  the  name  of  Neoptolemus)  and  Epeus,  were  both 
of  tliem  the  ^eat^grandsons  of  JEdcus,  The  recollection  of  this  cir- 
cumstance adds  great  force  to  that  passage  of  Virgil,  in  which,  after 
having  called  Perseus  iEaciden,  he  attributes  to  Paulus  £milius  the  glory 
of  having  avenged  his  Trojan  ancestors  by  his  triumphs  over  that  mo- 
narch. Pindar,  in  his  eighth  Olympic  Ode,  says  Apollo  and  Ncptime 
called  in  iEacus  to  their  assistance  i  i  building  Troy,  and  foretold  that 
the  walls  he  had  joined  with  them  m  erecting  should  be  overthi  own  in 
ifrar,  but  not  except  by  his  posterit}-. 

U  2 


292  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES- 

Thro'  the  polluted  temples  of  the  Gods, 

Flow  tides  of  crimson  slaughter  :  at  the  base 

Of  altars  sacred  to  Hercaean  Jove, 

Fell  hoary  Priam.     But  huge  heaps  of  gold 

And  Phrygian  plunder,  to  the  fleet  of  Greece    , 

Are  sent :   the  leaders  of  the  host  that  sacked 

Thi§  city,-  wait  but  for  a  prosperous  breeze, 

That  after  ten  years  absence  they  their  wives 

And  chilAren  may  with  joy  behold.     Subdo'd 

By  Juno  Argive  Goddess,  and  Minerva, 

Who  leagued  in  Phrygia's  overthrow,  I  leave 

Troy  the  renown'd,   and  my  demolish'd  shrines. 

For  when  pernicious  Solitude  extends 

O'er  cities  her  inexorable  sway» 

Abandoned  are  the  temples  of  the  Oods, 

None  comes  to  worship  there.     Scamander*a  banks 

Re-echo  many  a  shriek  of  captive  Dames 

Distributed  by  lot;  th'  Arcadians,  some, 

Some  the  Thessalians  gain,  and  some  the  sons 

Of  Theseus  leaders  of  th'  Athenian  troops  : 

But  they  whom  chance  distributes  not,  remain 

Beneath  yon  roof  selected  by  the  chiefs 

Of  the  confederate  army.     Justly  deem*d 

A  captive,  among  them  is  Spartan  Helen  ^  " 

And  if  the  stranger  wishes  to  behold 

That  wretched  woman,  Hecuba  lies  stretcbt 

Before  the  gate,  full  many  are  her  tears. 

And  her  afflictions  many :    at  the  tomb 

Of  stern  Achilles  her  unhappy  Daughter 

Polyxena  died  wretchedly,   her  Lord 

The  royal  Priam,  and  her  Sons  are  slain. 

That  spotless  Virgin  too  whom  from  his  shrine 

Apollo  with  prophetic  gifts  inspir'd, 

Crissandra,  spurning  every  sacred  rite. 

Did  Againemnon  violently  drag 

To  his  adulterous  bed.     But,  O  farewell^ 

Thou  city  prosperous  once ;  ye  splendid  towers. 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  293 

Had  not  Minerva's  self  ordain'd  your  fall. 
Ye  still  on  your  firm  basis  might  remain. 

MINERVA,  NEPTUNE. 

MINERVA. 

May  I  accost  the  God  who  to  my  Sire  * 
In  blood  is  nearest,  mighty,  through  high  Heaven 
Rever'd,  and  lay  a»ide  our  antient  hate? 

NEPTUNE, 

*Tis  well,  thou  royal  Maid  :  an  iqterview 
*Twixt  those  of  the  same  house,  is  to  the  soul 
An  efficacious  philtre. 

MINERVA. 
I  applaud 
Those  who  are  temperate  in  their  wrath,  and  bring 
Such  arguments,  O  Monarch,  as  affect. 
Bpth  you  and  me. 

NEPTUNE. 

From  all  th'  assembled  Gods 
Some  new  commission  bear'st  tbou,  or  from  Jove, 
Or  what  ce Jest j^l  power  ? 

MINERVA. 

From  none  of  these. 
But  in  the  cause  of  Troy,  whose  fields  we  treadu 
I,  to  your  aid  betake  me,  and  would  jwa 
Our  common  stfength. 

JJEFTUNE. 

Hast  tbou  then  laid  aside 
Thy  former  hate,  to  pity  Troy,  consumed 
By  the  relentless  flao^es  f 

MINERVA, 

First,  thither  turn 
Your  views :  to  me  will  you  unfold  your  counsels. 
And  aid  the  schemes  I  would  effect? 

NEPTUNE. 

With  joy: 

But  I  meanwhile  would  thy  designs  explore. 


294  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

Whether  thou  com'st  on  the  behalf  of  Greece, 
Or  Troy.  ^ 

MINERVA. 
The  Trojans,  erst  my  foes,  I  wish 
To  cheer,  and  to  embitter  the  return 
Of  the  victorious  Grecian  host. 

NEPTUNE. 

'    What  means 
This 'change  of  temper  ?  to  excess  thou  hat'st 
And  lov'st  at  random^ 

MINERVA. 

Know  you  not  th^  insult 
Which  hath  been  shewn  to  me,  and  to  my  temple  ? 

NEPTUNE. 

I  know  that  Ajax  violently  tore  '   •■  •■-'    .  - 

Cassandica  thence.  ..!!.>.       ' 

MINERVA. 

'Yet  by  the  Greeks  unpunished 
He  'scap'd,  and  e'en  uncensur'A 

NEPTUNE.  •         ■  ■ 

Thof  the  Greeks 
Overthrew  Troy's  walls  thro'  thy  auxiliar  might -^ 

MINERVA. 

And  for  this  very  cause  will  I  conspire 
With  you  to  punish  them.  . 

NEPTUNE.  •    '■'     ■ 

I  am  prepared 

For  any  enterprize  thou  wilt.     What  mean'st  thou  ? 

•   minerva!  ■  ■'.'..: 

Their  journey  home  I  am  resoiv'd  to  make  • 
Most  inauspicious. 

'      NEPTUNE. 

While  they  yet  remain  .  •      .  / 
Upon  the  shore,  or  midst  the  briny  waves  ? 

MINERVA. 

As  to  their  homes  from  Ilion's  coast  they  sail. 
For  Jove  will  send  down  rain,  immoderate  bail. 


1 1 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  295 

And  pitchy  blasts  of  air :  he  promises 
To  give  me  too  his  thunderbolts  to  smite 
The  Greeks  and  fire  their  ships ;  but  join  your  aid. 
Cause  the  ^gean  deep  with  threefold  waves. 
And  ocean's  whirlpools  horribly  to  rage. 
Fill  with  their  corses  the  unfathomM  caves 
Beneath  Euboea's  rocks,  that  Greece  may  leara 
My  Shrines  to  reverence,.  Mtfr  provoke  the  Gods. 

NEPTUNE, 

It  shall  be  done :  therie  need  not  many  words 
To  recommend  thy  suit.     My  storms  shall  louse 
Th*  ^gean  deep  ;  the  shores  of  Myconfe, 
Scjrros  with  Lemnos,  all  the  Delian  rocks. 
And  steep  Caphareus  with  full  many  a  corse 
Will  I  o^Iejcspread.     But  mount  Olympus'  height, 
And  from  the  Thunderer's  hand  his  flaming  shafts 
Receiving,  mark  when  the  devoted  host 
Of  Greece  weigh  anchor.     Frantic  is  the  maa 
Who  dares  to  lay  the  peopled  city  waste. 
Temples  with  tombs  profaning,  and  bereaves 
Of  their  inhabitants  those  sacred  vaults 
Where  sleep  the  dead ;  at  length  shall  vengeance  smite 
That  hardened  miscreant  in  his  bold' career.     {^Exeunt. 

The  ^cenb  opens,  and  discovers  HECUBA 

ON   A  jCOVCJf^,  '•• 

HECUBA. 

Arise  thou  wretch,  and  from  the  dust  uplift 
Thy  drooping  head  ;.tho'Ilion  be  no  more. 
And  thou  a  Queeii  no  longer,  yet  endure 
With  patience  Fortune'^  cbatige,  and  as  the  tid« 
Or  as  capricious  Fortune  wills,  direct 
Thy  sailst,  nor  turn  against  the  dashing  wave 
Life's  stubborn  prow^  for  chance  must^.gutde  thy  Voyage. 
Alas !  £or  what  but  givMi|)s  belongs  tome 
Whose  co>^ntry,  children;  husband,'  are^nomore? 
Oflbighty  sjplehdovt  of ' m jr  Sire9,  noW  pent 


«g6  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

In  a  small  tomb,  how  art  thou  fouqd  a  thio; 
Of  no  account !  what  portion  of  my  woes 
Shall  1  suppress,  or  what  describe,  how  frame 
A  plaintive  strain?  now  fix'd  on  this  hard  coucbf 
Wretch  that  I  am,  are  my  unwieldy  limbs. 
Ah  me  I  my  bead,  ray  temples,  ah  my  side ! 
O  how  I  wish  to  turn  and  to  stretch  forth 
These  joints  i  My  tears  shall  never  cease  to  flow. 
For  like  the  Muse's  lyre,  iV  affecting  tale 
Of  their  calamities  consoles  the  wretched. 
Ye  prows  of  those  swift  barks  which  to  the  coast 
Of  fated  Uion^  from  the  Grecian  ports 
Adventurous  lamich'd  amid  the  purple  wave^ 
Accompanied  by  inauspicious  Paeaos 
From  pipes,  and  the  shrill  flute's  enliveniDy  Yviot,' 
While  from  the  mast  devolved  the  twisted  oordag# 
By  ^gypt  first  devis'd,  ye  to  the  bay 
Of  Troy  did  follow  Menelaus'  wife, 
Helen,  abhorr'd  adultress,  who  disgrac'd 
Castor  her  Brother,   and  Eurotas'  stream  i 
She  murder'd  Priam  Sire  of  fifty  sons. 
And  me  the  wretched  Hecuba  hath  pluog-d 
Inta  this  misery.    Here,  alas,   I  sit 
In  my  loath'd  prison,  Agamemnon's  tent ; 
From  princely  mansions  dragg'd,  an  aged  shvCji 
My  hoary  tresses  shorn,  this  head  deformM 
With  baldness.    But,  alas  ye  hapless  wives 
Of  Uion's  dauntlesa  warriors,  blooniing  maidi^ 
And  brides  affianc'd  io  ^n  evil  hour. 
Together  let  us  weep,  for  llion's  smoke 
Ascends  the  skies.    Like  the  maternal  bird. 
Who  wails  her  callow  brood,  I  now  commence 
A  strain  far  different  from  what  erst  wps  heardr 
When  I  on  mighty  Priam's  sceptred  state 
Proudly  relying,  led  the  Phrygian  dance 
]3efore  the  hallow 'd  temples  of  the  Gods* 

[Sie  risa^  and  comes ftrthifromtk^  XW>(t 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  «97 

SEMICHORUS,  HECUBA. 

8EMICHORUS. 

O  Hecuba,  what  mean  these  clamorous  notes, 
These  shrieks  of  woe  f  for  from  the  vaulted  roof 
Thy  plaints  re-echoing  smite  my  distant  ear^ 
Aud  fresh  alarms  seize  every  Phrygian  dame 
Who  in  these  tents  enslaved  deplores  her  fate, 

HECUBA. 

E'en  now,  my  daughter,  at  the  Grecian  fleet 
Th'  exulting  sailor^)  ply  their  oars, 

SEMICHOKUS. 

Ah  me ! 
What  mean  they  i  will  they  instantly  convey  me 
Far  from  my  ruin'd  country  f 

HBCUBA. 

By  conjecture 
Alone  am  I  acquainted  with  our  doom. 

SEMICHORUS. 
Soon  shall  we  hear  this  sentence ;  ^'  from  these  doors 
^'  Come  forth  ye  Trojan  captives,  for  the  Gre<elfs 
*'  Are  now  preparing  to  return/' 

HECUBA. 

O  cease. 
My  friends,  nor  from  her  chambers  hither  brihg 
Cassandra,  frantic  prophetess,  defiPd 
By  Argive  ruffians,   for  the  sight  of  her 
Would  but  encrease  my  grieisi 

SEMICHORUS. 

Troy,  wretched  Troy, 
Thott  a?t'  no  more,  they  too  whom  fate  ordains* 
JJo  longer  on  thy  fostering  soil  to  dwell 
Are  wretched^  both  the  Rving  and  the  slWn. 

CHORUS,  HECUBA. 

CHORUS. 

Trembliilg  I  eome  from  Agwnemnon's  tent, 


f98  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

Of  thee  my  royal  mistress  to  enquire 
Whether  the  Greeks  have  doom'd  me  to  be  slaioi 
And  whether  yet  along  the  poop  arranged 
The  mariners  prepare  to  ply  their  oarsg, 

HECUBA. 

Deprived  of  sleep  thro'  horror,  O  my  daughter, 
I  hither  came :  but  on  the  road  I  see 
A  Grecian  herald. 

CHORUS. 

,     Tell  me  to  what  lord 

» 

Am  wretched  I  consigned. 

HECUBA, 

E'en  now  the  lot  ^ 

Is  casting,  to  decide  your  fate. 

CHORUS. 

What  chief 
To  Argos,  or  to  Phthia,  me  shall  bear. 
Or  to  some  island,  sorrowing,  far  from  Troy  ? 

HECUBA. 
To  whom  shall  wretched  I,  and  in  what  land 
Become  a  slave,  decrepid  like  the  drone  ^  / 

Thro'  age,  mere  semblance  of  a  pallid  corse. 
Or  flitting  spectre  from  the  realms  beneath? 
Shall  I  be  station'd  or  to  watch  the  door. 
Or  tend  the  children  of  an  haughty  lord,  ..    ^  .  , 

Erst  plac'd  at  Troy  in  rank  supreme  ?  . 

CHORUS.  .      :  '        .'; 

Alas! 

HECUBA. 

With. what  loud  plaints  dost  thou  revive  tby;  woi^l. , 

CHORUS.  .1  ... 

I  never  more  thro'  Ida's  loom  shall  dart  ..     ...... 

The  shuttle,  nor  behold  a  blooming  race 
Of  children,  in  ilkose  lightertsusks  eihploy'd 
Which  suit  the  young  and  beauteous,  to  the  couch 
Of  some  illustrious  Greek  convey 'd,  thegoys     ;.   v 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  299 

2)  Which  night  and  fortune  yields  are  lost  to  me; 
r  fiird  with  wateo  from  Pirene's  spring 
hall  I  be  doom'd  to  bear  the  ponderous  urn. 

HECUBA. 

O  could  we  reach  the  fam'd  and  happy  realm 
Of  Theseus,  distant  from  Eurotas'  tide. 
And  curst  Therapne's  gates,  where  I  should  meet 
Perfidious  Helen,  and  remain  a  slave 
To  Menelaus,  who  demolish'd  Troy. 

CHORUS. 

By  fame's  loud  voice  I  am  inform'd,  the  vale 
Of  Peneus,  at  Olympus  base,  abounds 
With  wealth,  and  plenteous  fruitage. 

HECUBA. 

This  I  make 
My  second  option^  next  the  blest  domain 
Of  Theseus. 

CHORUS. 

I  am  told  that  Vulcan's  realm 
Of  iEtna,  opposite  Phoenicia's  coast 
The  mother  of  Sicilian  hills,  is  fam'd 
For  palms  obtain'd  by  valour.    Thro'  the  (3)  realm 
Adjacent,  bordering  on  th'  Ionian  deep, 
Crathis  the  bright,  for  auburn  hair  renowned, 

(S)  This  language  appears  so  unseemly,  in  the  month  of  the  aged  Hi8» 
Cuba,  that  I  have  followed  Dr.  Musgrave  in  the  distribution  of  tUi 
speech  and  several  others,  both  precedmg  and  following  it,  (see  his  not* 
V.  n.  p.  415.)  Having  so  done,'  J  apprehend  it  to  be  the  less  necessarjf 
for  me  to  adopt  his  conjectural  alterations,  and  perhaps  the  reader,  ynho 
recollects  the  terms  in  wliich  Hecuba  addresses  Agamemnon,  .when  she 
is  entreating  him  to  suffer  her  to  inflict  vengeance  on  Polymestor,  (He- 
cuba, V.  824 — 832)  will  tliink  I  have  gone  too  far ;  though  he  will  find 
the  opinion  of  Dr.  Musgraye,  in  regard  to  this  speech,  in  a  great  mea< 
8ur^  coi^rmed  by  that  of  Mr.  Tyrwhitt. 

.  (3)  The  countiy  here  mentioned,  appears  to  be  that,  on  which  tfas 
famous  city  of  Sybaris,  whose  inhabitants  were  ruinecj  by  their  luxiuy, 
originally  stood  :  after  its  destruction,  Diodorus  Siculus  says,  the  Athe- 
nians sent  a  Colony  thither,  who  built  a  city,  on  a  spot  very  near  the 
ruins  of  Sybaris,  which  they  called  Thurium,  froofi  a  fountain  of  that 


900  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  ' 

The  tribute  of  its  holy  current  pours. 
And  scatters  blessings  o'er  a  martial  land* 
But  I09  with  hasty  step  a  herald  comes 
Bearing  some  message  from  the  Grecian  host ! 
What  is  his  errand  ?  for  we  now  are  slaves 
To  yon  proud  rulers  of  the  Poric  realm* 

TALTHYBIUS,  HECUBA,  CHORUS. 

TALTHYBIUS.  , 
O  Hecuba,  full  oft,  you  know,  to  Troy 
I,  as  their  herald,  by  the  Grecian  host 
Have  been  dispatch'd ;  you  cannot  be  a  stranger 
To  me,  Talthybius,  who  to  you,  and  all, 
One  message  bring. 

HECURA, 

This,  this,  my  dearest  friends^ 
Is  what  I  long  have  fear'd. 

TALTHYBIUS. 

The  lots  are  cast 
Already,  if  your  terrors  thence  arose. 

HECUBA, 

Alas  to  what  Thessalian  citv  saidst  thou. 
Or  to  the  Phthian,  or  the  Theban  reality 
Shall  we  be  carried  ? 

TALTHYBIUS. 

To  a  separate  lord 
Hath  each  of  you  distinctly  been  assigned. 

HECUBA. 
To  whom  alas,  to  whom  am  I  allotted  ? 
What  Phrygian  dames  do  happier  fortunes  wait? 


name.  Tlie  river  CrathUy  on  whose  banks  Sybaris  stood,  is  et^ehntB&p 
as  Barnes  informs  us  in  his  note  oii  this  passage^'  by  a  variety  of  antiettt 
ivriten,  for  the  virtue  which  is  ascribed  to  it  by  Euripides,  of  giving  an 
anbom  colour  to  the  hair :  it  discharges  itself  into  the  bay  of  TarentOttl. 
The  Thiuians  appear  to  have  been  under  great  obligations  to  the  stend 
virtues  of  then*  law-giver  Charondas,  for  raising  theur  natiohal  charaetsr' 
to  a  pitch  far  beyond  that  of  theur  pupdecesBors  the  Sybarites. 


,    THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  aoi 

TALTHYBIUS. 
I  know :  but  be  distinct  in  your  enquiries^ 
or  ask  at  once  a  multitude  of  questions. 

HECUBA. 

Say  who  by  lot  liath  gain'd  my  wretched  Daughter 
Cassandra } 

-    TALTHYBIUS. 

Her  the  royal  Agamemnon 
His  chosen  prize  hath  taken. 

HECUBA. 

As  a  slave 
To  tend  his  Spartan  wife  ?  ah  mel 

TALTHYBIUS. 

No  slave^ 
But  concubine. 

HECUBA. 

What,  Phcebus'  votive  maid. 
To  whom  the  God  with  golden  tresses  gave 
This  privilege,  that  he  should  pass  her  life 
In  celibacy  i 

TALTHYBIUS. 

With  the  shafts  of  love 
Hath  the  prophetic  Nymph  transpierced  his  breast. 

HECUBA. 

My  D/iughter,  cast  the  sacred  keys  away. 
And  rend  the  garlands  thou  with  pride  didst  wear. 

TALTHYBIUS. 

Is  it  not  great  for  captives  to  ascend 
The  regal  couch  I 

HECUBA. 

But  where  is  she  whom  late 
Ye  took  away,  and  whither  have  ye  borne 
That  Daughter  f 

TALTHYBIUS. 

Speak  you  of  Polyxena, 
Or  for  wbomr  else  would  you  enquire  i 


30«  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

HECUBA. 

On  whom 
Hath  chance  bestow'd  her  ? 

TALTHYBIUS.* 

At  Achilles'  tomb 
It  is  decreed  that  she  shall  minister. 

HECUBA. 
Wretch  that  I  am  !  for  his  sepulchral  rites 
Have  I  then  borne  a  Piiestess  ?  but  what  law 
Is  this,  what  Grecian  usage,  O  my  friend  ? 

TALTHYBIUS. 

Esteem  your  Daughter  happy;  for  with  her 
All  now  is  well. 

HECUBA. 

What  saidst  thou  ?  doth  she  live  ? 

TALTHYBIUS. 

Tis  her  peculiar  fate  to  be  released 
From  all  affliction. 

HECUBA. 

But^  alas !  what  fortune 
Attends  the  warlike  Hectoi'*s  captive  wife, 
How  fares  it  ^yith  the  lost  Andromache  f 

TALTHYBIUS. 

Her  too  Achilles'  son  hath  from  the  band 
Of  captives  chosen. 

HECUBA. 
As  to  me  who  need 
For  a  third  foot,  the  staff  which  in  these  hands 
I  hold,  whose  head  is  wliiten'd  o'er  with  age. 
To  whom  am  I  a  slave  ? 

TALTHYBIUS. 

By  lot  the  King 
Of  Ithaca  Ulysses  hath  obtained  you. 

HECUBA. 

Alas!  alas  I  let  your  shorn  temples  feel 
The  frequent  blow ;  rend  your  discolour'd  cheeks. 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  SOB 

Ah  me !  I  am  allotted  for  a  slave 

To  a  detestable  and  treacherous  man. 

Sworn  foe  of  justice,  to  that  lawless  viper, 

With  double  tongue  confounding  all,  'twixt  friends 

Exciting  bitter  hate.     Ye  Trojan  damei^, 

O  shed  the  sympathizing  tear  :  I  sink 

Beneath  the  pressure  of  relentless  fate. 

CHORUS,  , 

Thy  doom,  O  Queen,  thou  know'st:  but  to  what  chief 
(4)  HelleniMi  or  Achaian  I  belong 
Inform  me* 

TALTHYl^IUS. 

Peace! — conduct  Cassandra  hith^ 
With  speed,  ye  guards,  into  our  General's  hands 
When  I  his  Captive  have  delivered  up. 
That  we  the  rest  may  portion  out.— Why  gleams 
That  blazing  torch  within?  would  Ilion's  dames 
Their  chambers  fire?  what  mean  they  ?  doom*d  to  leave 
This  land,  and  to  be  borne  to  Argive  shores, 
Are  they  resolv'd  to  perish  in  the  flames? 
The  soul,  inspir'd  with  an  unbounded  love 
Of  freedom,  ill  sustains  such  woes.     Burst  open 
The  doors,  lest,  to  their  honour  and  the  shame 
Of  Greece,  on  me  the  censure  fall. 

HECUBA. 

They  kindle 
No  conflagration,  but^  with  frantic  step. 
My  Daughter,  lo,  Cassandra  rushes  hither. 

V      CASSANDRA,  TALTHYBIUS,  HECUBA, 

CHORUS. 

CASSANDRA. 

Avaunt !  the  sacred  flame  I  bring 
With  reverential  awe  profound, 

(4)  "  The  Poet  here  makes  a  distinction  between  Achaians  and  Hel- 
•*  lenians.  At  Uie  time  of  the  Tr(yan  war  the  Achaians  were  the  inha- 
"  bitants  of  Sparta  according  to  Strabo  and  Pausanias,  and  the  Hel- 
"  lenians,  they  who  dwelt  in  Thcssaly.  There  was  a  tune  too,  when 
^  the  Thessahans  likewise  were  called  Achaians,  the  reason  for  which 
^  9iay  be  cottected  iroHi  PaiuaDias.''    Musgrate, 


304  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

And  wave  the  kindled  torch  around^ 

0  Hymen,  thou  benignant  king. 

The  Bridegroom  comes  with  jocund  prldc^ 

1  too  am  styl'd  a  happy  Bride, 

My  name  through  Argos'  streets  shall  riog^ 
O  Hymen,  thou  benignant  king ! 
While  thou  attend'st  my  Father's  bier, 
O  Hecuba,  with  many  a  tear, 
While  Ilion's  ramparts  overthrown 
From  thee  demand  th'  incessant  gromij 
Ere  the  bright  Sun  withhold  his'  ray. 
E'en  in  the  glaring  front  of  day, 
t  bid  the  nuptial  incense  blaze 
To  thee,  O  Hymen,  thee  whose  power 
Invoking  at  her  bridal  hour 
The  bashful  virgin  comes.     Yon  maze 
Encircling,  'mid  the  choral  dance. 
As  antient  usage  bids,  advance. 
And  in  thy  hand  a  flaming  pine, 
O  mother,   brandish.     God  of  wine. 
Thy  shouting  votaries  hither  bring. 
As  if  in  Ilion  thou  hadst  foiind 
Old  Priam  still  a  happy  king. 
Range  that  holy  groupe  around 
O  Phoebus,  in  thy  laureat  uiead. 
Thy  temple,  shall  the  victim  bleed. 
Let  Hymen,  Hymen,  Hymen,  sound. 
My  Mother,  for  the  dance  prepare. 
Vault  nimbly,  and  our  revels  share. 
At  Hymen's  shrine,  my  friends,   prolong 
Your  vows,  awake  th'  exstatic  song ; 
In  honour  of  my  bridal  day. 
Chant,  Phrygian  nymphs,  the  choral  Jay, 
And  celebrate  the  chief  whom  fate 
Ordains  to  be  Cassandra's  mate. 

CHORUS. 
Wilt  thou  not  stop  the  Princess,  lest  she  rtfsh 
With  frantic  step  amid  the  Greciaa  host? 


cl' 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  305 

HECUBA. 
O  Vulcan,  wopt  to  light  the  bridal  torch, 
Now  dost  thou  brandish  an  accursed  flame ; 
My  soul  foresaw  not  thi>.    Alas,  my  Daughter, 
I  little  thought,  that  midst  the  din  of  arms. 
Or  while  we  crouch  beneath  the  Argive  spear, 
Thou  could'st  have  celebrated  such  espousals. 
Give  me  the  torch,  for  while  with  frantic  speed 
Thou  rushest  on,  it  trembles  in  thy  hand. 
Nor  yet  have  thy  afflictions,  O  my  Daughter, 
Brought  back  thy  wandering  reason,  thou  remain'st 
Disordered  as  before.     Ye  Trojan  Dames, 
Remove  yon  blazing  pines,  and  in  the  stead 
Of  these  her  bridal  songs  let  tears  express 
The  anguish  of  your  souls. 

CASSANDRA. 

O  Mother,  place 
A  laureat  wreath  on  mv  victorious  brow. 
Exulting  lead  me  to  the  Monarch's  bed. 
And  if  for  thee  too  slowly  I  advance, 
Drag  me  along  by  force :  for  I  am  now 
No  more  the  spouse  of  Phoebus;  but  that  king 
Of  Greece,  fam'd  Agamemnon,  shall  in  me 
Take  to  his  arms  a  bride  more  inauspicious 
Than  even  Helen's  self:  him  will  I  smite. 
And  lay  his  palace  waste,  in  great  revenge 
For  my  slain  Sire  and  Brothers.     But  I  cease 
These  menaces,  and  speak  not  of  the  axe 
Which  shafl  smite  me  and  others,  or  the  conflict 
My  wedlock  shall  produce,  whence  by  the  hands 
Of  her  own  son  a  Mother  shall  be  slain. 
And  th'  overthrow  of  Atreus'  guilty  house. 
This  city  will  I  prove  to  have  been  happier 
Than  the  victorious  Greeks  (for  though  the  God^ 
Inspire,  I  curb  the  transports  of  my  soul), 
Who  for  one  single  woman,  to  regain  ^ 

The  beauteous  Helen  only,  wasted  lives 

VOL.  II.  X 


306  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES, 

Unnumbered.    Their  wise  leader,  in  the  cause 
Of  those  he  hated,  slew  whom  most  he  lov*d ; 
He  to  his  Brother  yielded  up  his  Daughter, 
Joy  of  his  house,  for  that  vile  woman's  sake. 
Who  with  her  own  consent,  and  not  by  force. 
Was  borne  away.     But  at  Scamander^s  banks 
When  they  arriv'd,  they  died,  though  not  hj  exfle 
Torn  from  their  country,  or  their  native  towers: 
But  them  who  in  embattled  fields  were  ^lain. 
Their  children  saw  not,  nor  in  decent  shroud 
Were  they  enwrapped  by  their  lov'd  consorts'  hands, 
But  lie  deserted  on  a  foreign  coast : 
Their  sorrows  also  who  remained  at  home 
Are  similar;  in  widowhood  forlorn 
Some  die  ;  and  others,  of  their  own  brave  son* 
Depriv'd,  bree^  up  the  children  of  a  stranger; 
Nor  at  their  slighted  tombs  is  blood  pour'd  forth 
To  drench  the  thirsty  ground.    Their  host  deserveg 
Praises  like  these.     Tis  better  not  to  speak 
Of  what  is  infamous,  nor  shall  my  Muse 
Record  the  shameful  tale.     But,  first  and  greatest 
Of  glories,  in  their  country's  cause  expired 
The  Trojans  ;  the  remains  of  those  who  fell 
In  battle,  by  their  friends  borne  home,  obtain'cL 
Sepulchral  honours  in  their  native  soil. 
That  duteous  office  kindred  hands  performed: 
While  every  Phrygian  who  escap'd  the  sword 
Still  with  his  wife  and  children  did  reside, 
Joy  to  the  Greeks  unknown.     Now  hear  the  fete 
Of  Hector,  him  whom  thou  bewail'st,  esteem'd 
The  bravest  of  our  heroes,  by  the  Greeks 
Landing  on  1  lion's  coast  the  warrior  fell ; 
In  their  own  couptry  had  the  foe  remained. 
His  valour  ne'er  had  been  display'd :  but  Paris 
Wedded  the  Daughter  of  imperial  Jove, 
In  her  possessing  an  illustrious  bride. 
It  is  the  wise  man's  duty  to  avoid 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  307 

Perilous  war.     After  the  dye  is  ciast, 

He  who  undaunted  meets  the  fatal  stroke. 

Adds  to  his  native  city  fair  renown  ; 

But  the  last  moments  of  a  coward  shame 

The  land  which  gave  him  birth.     Forbear  to  weep, 

My  Mother,  for  thy  ruin'd  country's  fate  ; 

Weep  not  because  thou  see*st  thy  daughter  borne 

To  Agamemnon's  bed,  for  by  these  spousals 

Our  most  inveterate  foes  shall  I  destroy. 

CHORUS. 

How  sweetly  midst  the  sorrows  of  thy  house 
Thou  smil'st !  ere  long  perchance  wilt  thou  afford 
A  melancholy  instance  that  thy  strains 
Are  void  of  truth. 

TALTHYBIUS. 

Had  not  Apollo  iir'd 
E'en  to  distraction  thy  perverted  soul. 
Thou  on  my  honoured  leader,  ere  he  quit 
The  shores  of  Ilion,  should'st  not  unaveng'd 
Pour  forth  these  omens.     But,  alas !  the  great^ 
And  they  who  in  th'  opinion  of  mankind 
Are  wise,  in  no  respect  excel  the  vulgar. 
For  the  dread  chieftain  of  the  Grecian  host. 
The  son  of  Atreus,  loves  with  boundless  passion 
This  damsel  frantic  as  the  Maenades. 
Myself  am  poor,  yet  would  not  I  accept 
A  wife  like  her.     Since  thou  hast  lost  thy  reason, 
I  to  the  winds  consign  thy  bitter  taunts 
'Gainst  Argos,  with  the  praises  thou  bestow'st 
On  Troy.    Thou  bride  of  Agamemnon,  come, 
Follow  me  to  the  fleet.     But  when  Ulysses 
Would  bear  you  hence,  O  Hecuba,  obey 
The  summons,  you  are  destin'd  to  attend 
A  (5)  Queen  cali'd  virtuous  by  all  those  who  come 
To  Ilion. 

(6)  Penelope. 


508  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

CASSANDRA. 

Arrogant,  detested  slave  ! 
All  heralds  are  like  thee,  the  public  scorn. 
Crouching  with  abject  deference  to  some  king 
Or  citjr.     Say'st  thou,  ''  to  Ulysses'  house 
"  My  Mother  shall  be  borne  V  Of  what  accoimt 
Were  then  the  oracles  Apollo  gave 
Uttered  by  me  his  priestess,  which  declare, 
''  She  here  shall  die  i**  I  spare  the  shamefol  tale* 
He  knows  not,  the  unhappy  Ithacus, 
What  evils  yet  await  him,  in  the  tears 
Of  me  and  every  captive  Phrygian  maid. 
While  he  exults,  and  deems  our  misery  galn« 
Ten  more  long  years  elaps'd  beyond  the  term 
Spent  in  besieging  Ilion,  he  alone 
Shall  reach  his  country  ;  witness  thou  who  dwell'st 
Mid'st  ocean's  straits  tempestuous,  dire  Charibdis^ 
Ye  mountains  where  on  human  victims  feast 
The  Cyclops,  with  Ligurian  Circe's  isle. 
Whose  wand  transforms  to  swine,  the  billowy  deep 
Cover'd  with  shipwrecks,  the  bewitching  Lotus, 
The  sacred  Oxen  of  the  Sun,  whose  flesh 
Destin'd  to  utter  a  tremendous  voice 
The  banquet  shall  embitter :    he  at  length. 
In  a  few  words  his  history  to  comprise. 
Alive  must  travel  to  the  shades  beneath. 
And  hardly  scaping  from  a  watery  grave 
In  his  own  house  find  evils  numberless. 
But  why  do  1  recount  Ulysses'  toils  ? 
Lead  on^  that  I  the  sooner  in  the  realms 
Of  Pluto,  with  that  Bridegroom  may  consummate 
My  nuptials.     Ruthless  miscreant  as  thou  art. 
Thou  in  the  tomb  ignobly  shalt  be  plung'd 
At  midnight ;  nor  shall  the  auspicious  beams 
Of  day  illumine  thy  funereal  rites, 
O  leader  of  the  Grecian  host,  who  deem'st 
That  thou  a  mighty  conquest  hast  atchiev'd. 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  SO9 

Near  to  my  Lord's  remains,  and  ia  that  vale, 
Where  down  a  precipice  the  torrent  foams, 
My  corse  shall  to  the  hungiy  wolves  be  thrown, 
The  corse  of  Phcebus'  priestess.     O  ye  wreaths 
Of  him  whom  best  of  all  the  Gods  I  lov'd. 
Adieu,  ye  symbols  of  my  holy  oflSce, 
I  leave  those  feasts  the  scenes  of  past  delight. 
Torn  from  my  brows  avaunt,  for  I  retain 
My  chastity  unsullied  still;  the  winds 
To  thee  shall  waft  them,  O  prophetic  King. 
Where  is  your  general's  bark,  which  I  am  doom'd 
T'ascend?  the  rising  breezes  shall  unfurl 
Your  sails  this  instant ;  for  in  me  ye  bear 
One  of  the  three  Eumenides  from  Troy. 
Farewell,  my  Mother,  weep  not  for  my  fate, 
O  my  dear  Country,  my  heroic  Brothers, 
And  aged  Father,  in  the  realms  beneath. 
Ere  long  shall  ye  receive  me :  but  victorious 
Will  I  descend  among  the  mighty  dead. 
When  I  have  laid  th'  accursed  mansions  waste 
Of  our  destroyers,  Atreus'  impious  sons. 

lExeunt  cassandra  and  talthybius. 

CHORUS. 

Attendants  of  the  aged  Hecuba, 
Behold  ye  not  your  Mistress,  how  she  falls 
Upon  the  pavement  speechless  ?  why  neglect 
To  prop  her  sinking  frame  !  Ye  slothful  nymphs. 
Raise  up  this  woman,  whom  a  weight  of  years 
Bows  to  the  dust. 

HECUBA. 
Away,  and  on  this  spot 
Allow  me,  courteous  damsels,  to  remain : 
No  longer  welcome  as  in  happier  days 
Are  your  kind  offices  ;  this  humble  posture, 
This  fall  best  suits  my  present  lowly  state. 
Best  suits  what  I  already  have  endur'd 
And  still  am  doom'd  to  suffer.    O  ye  Gods, 


3 10  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

In  you  I  call  upon  no  firm  allies. 

Yet  sure  'tis  decent  to  invoke  the  Gods 

When  we  by  adyerse  fortune  are  opprest. 

First,  therefore,  all  the  blessings  I  enjoyed 

Would  I  recount,  hence  shall  my  woes  demand 

The  greater  pity.     Born  to  regal  state, 

And  with  a  mighty  King  in  wedlock  join'd^ 

A  race  of  valiant  sons  did  I  produce; 

I  speak  not  of  their  numbers,  but  the  noblest 

Among  the  Phrygian  youths,  such  as  no  Trojan^ 

Nor  Grecian,  nor  Barbarian  dame  could  boast: 

Them  saw  1  fall  beneath  the  hostile  spear^ 

And  at  their  tomb  these  tresses  cut:  their  Sire, 

The  venerable  Priam,  I  bewail'd  not. 

From  being  told  of  his  calamitous  fate 

By  others,  but  these  eyes  beheld  him  slain. 

E'en  at  the  altar  of  Hercaean  Jove, 

And  llion  taken.     I  those  blooming  maids 

Have  also  lost,  whom  with  maternal  love 

I  nurtur'd  for  some  noble  husband's  bed ; 

They  from  these  arms  are  torn :  nor  can  I  hope 

Or  to  be  seen  by  them,  or  e'er  to  see 

My  children  more.     But  last  of  all,  to  crown 

My  woes,  an  aged  slave,  shall  I  be  borne 

To  Greece;  and  in  such  tasks  will  they  employ 

As  are  most  grievous  in  the  wane  of  life ; 

Me,  who  am  Hector's  mother,  at  the  door 

Station'd  to  keep  the  keys,  or  knead  the  bread. 

And  on  the  pavement  stretch  my  wither'd  limbs. 

Which  erst  repos'd  upon  a  regal  couch, 

And  in  such  tatter'd  vestments,  as  bely 

My  former  rank,  enwrap  my  wasted  frame. 

Wretch  that  I  am,  who,  thro'  one  woman's  nuptials. 

Have  borne,  and  am  hereafter  doom'd  to  bear. 

Such  dreadful  ills.     O  my  unhappy  Daughter, 

Cassandra,  whom  the  Gods  have  rendered  frantic. 

With  what  sad  omens  hath  thy  virgin  zone 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  511 

Been  loos'd  !  and  where,  Polyxena,  art  thou, 

O  virgin  most  unfortunate?  but  none 

Of  all  my  numerous  progeny,  or  male 

Or  female,  comes  to  aid  their  wretched  Mother. 

Why,  therefore,  would  ye  lift  me  up  ?  what  room 

Is  there  for  hope  ?  me  who  with  tender  foot 

Pac'd  through  the  streets  of  Troy,  but  now  a  slave, 

Drag  from  the  palace  to  the  rushy  mat 

And  stony  pillow,  that  wheree'er  I  fall 

There  may  I  die,  through  many  many  tears 

Exhausted.     Of  the  prosperous  and  the  great 

Pronounce  none  happy  till  the  hour  of  death. 

CHORUS, 

ODE. 

I. 
Prepare,  O  Muse,  prepare  a  song 
Expressive  of  the  fall  of  Troy ; 
The  sympathetic  dirge  prolong, 
And  banish  every  note  of  joy. 
I  with  loud  voice  of  Ilion's  fate  will  speak. 
Sing  how  the  foe  our  ramparts  storm'd 
Through  the  machine  their  treachcfry  form'd. 
The  vehicle  of  many  a  dg^ring  Greek, 
Who  burst  like  thunder  from  that  wooden  steed. 
With  gorgeous  trappings  grac'd,  in  mimic  slate. 
Concealing  armed  bands,  which  pass'd  the  Scaean  gate, 
They  whom  such  semblance  could  mislead. 

The  unsuspecting  crowd, 
As  on  Troy's  citadel  they  stood, 
Exclaim'd  ;  "  Henceforth  our  toils  shall  cease, 
*'  Come  on,  and  to  Minerva's  fane  convey 

"  This  holy  image,  pledge  of  peace." 
What  veteran  paus'd  ?  what  youth  but  led  the  way  ? 
Enlivening  songs  breath'd  round  in  notes  so  sweet. 
That  gjadly  they  receiv'd  the  pestilential  cheat. 


812  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

II. 

Then  did  all  Phrygians  race  combine 

Through  their  devoted  gates  to  bear. 

Enclosed  in  the  stupendous  pine 

The  fraud  of  Greece,  that  latent  snare, 
To  glut  Minerva  with  Dardanian  blood. 

To  pacify  th'  immortal  Maid, 

They  the  huge  mass  with  ropes  conveyed : 
Thus  the  tall  bark,  into  the  briny  flood 
Too  ponderous  to  be  borne,  is  roll'd  along : 
Till  they  bad  lodg'd  it  in  th'  ill-omen'd  fane 
Of  Her  to  whom  we  owe  our  ruin'd  country's  bane. 

After  their  toi)  and  festive  song. 
The  cloud-wrappM  Evening  spread 

Her  veil  o'er  each  devoted  head. 

Shrill  Phrygian  voices  did  resound. 
And  Libya's  flutes  accompanied  the  choir. 

While  nyn^phs  high  vaulting  from  the  ground, 
Mix'd  their  applauses  with  the  chorded  lyre,    ' 
And  from  each  hearth  the  flames  with  radiance  bright^ 
.  While  heedless  warriors  slept,  dispelled  the  shades  of 

night. 

III. 
Then  ofer  the  genial  board,  to  her  who  reigns 
In  woodland  heights,  Diafia,  child  of  Jove, 
I  wak'd  the  choral  strains. 

But  soon  there  flew  a  dismal  sound 

Pergamus'  wide  streets  around : 

The  shrieking  infant  fondly  strove 
To  grasp  the  border  of  a  Mother's  vest. 
And  with  uplifted  hands  its  little  fears  express'd : 
Mars  from  his  (6)  ambush  by  Minerva's  aid 

(6)  *^  This  is  spoken  of  the  Wooden  Horse,  whence  the  foe  issuing 
^  forth,  warred  against  the  Trojans  in  the  very  heart  of  their  city.  The 
^  expression  of  Apv,  Mars,  is  poetical,  and  signifies  the  Greek  soldiers, 
^  who,  aided  by  the  counsels  of  Minerva,  framed  that  stratagem.* 

Carmblu. 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  sis 

# 

Conspicuous  issu'd  and  the  fray*began^ 

Thick  gore  adown  our  altars  ran^ 
And  many  a  slaughtered  youth  was  laid 

A  headless  trunk  on  the  disfigured  bed. 
That  Greece  might  shine  with  laareat  wreaths  array'd, 

By  Troy  while  fruitless  tears  ate  shed. 

ANDROMACHE,  HECUBA,  CHORUS. 

CHORUS. 

Seest  thou,  Aadromach6,  O  Queen,  this  way 
Advancing,  wafted  in  a  foreign  car  ? 
Eager  to  cling  to  the  maternal  breast 
Close  follows  her  belov'd  Astyanax, 
The  son  of  Hector. 

HECUBA, 

Whither  art  thou  borne, 
O  wretched  woman,  on  a  chariot  plac'd 
Midst  Hector's  brazen  armour,  and  those  spoiU 
'  From  captive  Phrygian  chiefs  in  combat  torn. 
With  which  Achilles'  son  from  [lion's  siege 
Triumphant,  will  the  Phthian  temples  grace? 

ANDROMACHE. 

Our  Grecian  masters  drag  me  hence. 

HECUBA. 

Alas! 

ANDROMACHE. 

Why  with  your  groans  my  anguish  strive  t'  assuage? 

HECUBA. 

Oh! 

ANDROMACHE. 
I  by  griefs  am  compass'd  — 

HECUBA. 

Mighty  Jove ! 

ANDROMACHE. 

And  dread  vicissitudes  of  fate. 

HECUBA. 

My  children. 


SI4  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

ANDROMACHE. 

We  once  were  blest. 

HECt^BA. 

Mow  are  those  prosperous  days 
Ko  more ;  and  I  lion  is  no  more. 

ANDROMACHE. 

Most  wretched 

HECUBA. 

My  noble  sons. 

ANDROMACHE. 

Alas! 

HECUBA. 

Alas  my 

ANDROMACHE. 


Woet. 


HECUBA. 

O  piteous  fortune  *— 


ANDROBiACHE. 

Of  the  city 

HECUBA. 


Wrapt 


In  smoke. 

ANDROMACHE. 

Return,  my  Husband^  O  return, 

HECUBA. 

In  clamorous  accents  thou  invok'st  my  son. 
Whom  Pluto's  realms  detain,  unhappy  woman. 

ANDROMACHE. 

Thy  Consort's  tutelary  power. 

HECUBA. 

And  thou, 
Whose  courage  long  withstood  the  Grecian  host. 
Thou  aged  Father  of  our  numerous  race. 
Lead  me,  O  Priam,  to  the  shades  beneath. 

ANDROMACHE. 

Presumptuous  are  suefa  wishes. 


:^ 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  i\5 

HECUBA. 

We  endure 
These  grievous  woes, 

CHORUS. 

While  ruin  overwhelms 
Our  city,  for  on  sorrows  have  been  heap*d 
Fresh  sorrows,  thro'  the  will  of  angry  Heaven, 
Sbce  in  an  evil  hour  thy  (7)  Soh  was  snatch'd 
From  Pluto,  who,  determin'd  to  avenge 
Those  execrable  nuptials,  with  the  ground 
Hath  leveird  Pergamus'  beleaguer'd  towers/ 
Near  Pallas'  shrine  the  corses  of  the  slain  ' 

Weltering  in  gore  to  vultures  lie  exposed. 
And  Ilion  droops  beneath  the  servile  yoke. 
Thee,  O  my  wretched  country,  I  with  tears 
Forsake:  e'en  now  thou  view'st  the  piteous  end 
Of  all  thy  woes^  and  my  lov'd  native  house. 

HECUBA. 

'   My  children!  O  my  desolated  city! 
Your  Mother  is  bereft  of  every  joy, 

CHORUS. 

What  shrieks,  what  plaints  resound !  what  floods  of  tear9 
Stream  in  our  houses !  but  the  dead  forget 
Their  sorrows,  and  for  ever  cease  to  weep. 

HECUBA. 

To  those  who  suffer,  what  a  sweet  relief 
Do  tears  afford  !  the  sympathetic  Muse 
Inspires  their  plaints. 

ANDROMACHE 

O  Moth«i-  of  jtbat  chief, 
Whose  forceful'j^avelin  thinn*d  the  ranks  of  Greece, 
Illustrious  Hector,  see'st  thou  this  f 


(7)  Paris;  who,  instead  of  being  put  to  death  in  consequence  of 
Cassandra^s  prophetic  warnings,  was  sent  to  Mount  Ida,  and  there  bred 
up  among  the  shepherds.  I  have  <ispo0ed  the  ensuing  speeches  accord- 
ing to  Dr.  Muigrtre^  note* 


Slfi  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

HECUBA. 

I  see  • 
The  Gods  delight  in  raising  up  the  low. 
And  ruining  the  great. 

ANDROMACHE. 

Hence  with  my  son^ 
A  captive  am  I  hurried  ;  noble  birth  = 
Subject  to  these  vicissitudes  now  sinks 
Into  degrs^ding  slavery. 

HECUBA.  ^i 

Uncontroird 
The  power  of  fate :  Cassandra  from  these  arms 
But  now  with  brutal  violence  was  torn ! 

ANDROMACHE. 

A  second  Ajax  to  thy  daughter  seems 
To  have  appeared.    Yet  hast  thou  other  griefs. 

HECUBA. 

All  bounds^  all  numbers  they  exceed ;  with  ilh 
Fresh  ills  as  for  preeminence  contend. 

ANDROMACHE, 

Polyxena,  thy  Daughter,  at  the  tomb 
Of  Peleus'  son  hath  breathM  her  last,  a  gift 
To  the  deceased. 

HECUBA. 

Wretch  that  I  am,  alas ! 
Too  clearly  now  I  understand  the  riddle 
Which  in  obscurer  terms  Talthybius  uttered. 

ANDROMACHE. 

I  saw  her  bleed,  and  lighting  from  this  car 
Covered  her  with  the  decent  shroud  and  wail'd 
Cer  her  remains. 

HECUBA. 

Alas !  alas !   my  Child 
To  bloody  altars  dragg'd  by  impious  hands, 
Alas,  alas,  how  basely  wert  thou  slain ! 

ANDROMACHE. 

Most  dreadfully  she  perished  ;  yet  her  lot 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  $  17 

IVho  perish'd  is  more  enviable  than  mine. 

HECUBA. 

Far  different,  O  my  X>aughter,  is  the  state 
Of  them  who  live,  from  them  who  breathe  no  more: 
For  the  deceased  are  nothinjg  :  but  fair  hope. 
While  life  remains,  can  never  be  extinct. 

ANDROMACHE. 

(8)  Thou  whom,  altho'  I  sprung  not  from  thy  wombp 
I  deem  a  Mother,  to  my  cheering  words 
With  patience  listen,  they  will  yield  delight 
To  thy  afflicted  soul.    Tis  the  same  thing 
Ne^r  to  be  born,  or  die;   but  better  far 
To  die,  than  to  live  wretched  :   for  no  sorrow 
Affects- th'  unconscious  tenant  of  the  grave. 
But  he  who  once  was  happy,  he  who  falls 
From  Fortune's  summit  down  the  vale  of  woe. 
With  an  afflicted  spirit  wanders  o'er 
The  scenes  of  past  delight.     In  the  cold  grave. 
Like  one  who  never  saw  the  blessed  Sun^ 
Polyxena  remembers  not  her  woes. 
But  I  who  aimM  the  dextrous  shaft,  and  gain'd 
An  ample  portion  of  renown,  have  miss'd 
The  mark  of  happiness.     In  Hector's  house 
I  acted  as  behoves  each  virtuous  Dame. 
First,  whether  sland'rous  tongues  assail  or  spare 
The  Matron's  chastity,  an  evil  name. 
Her  who  remains  not  at  her  home,  pursues :  • 

Such  vain  desires  I  therefore  quell'd,  I  staid 
In  my  own  chamber,   a  domestic  life 
Preferring,  and  forbore  to  introduce 

(8)  The  two  first  tines  of  tiiis  speech  are  a  translation  of  o  pi?'^,  y 
Ttyanrttj  KuKKurrcv  Xoyoy,  which  is  restored  from  the  Harleian  and  Floren> 
tine  manuscripts  by  Dr.  Musgrave,  it  having  been  omitted  by  the  pre* 
ceding  Editors:  tlie  Doctor's  alteration  of  w  into  v  is  absolutely  neces- 
sary to  be  admitted,  as  Andi*omache  was  daughter  to  Hiecuba  by  mar- 
riage only,  and  not  by  birth. 


S18  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

Vain  sentimental  language,   such  as  gains 
Too  oft  the  ear  of  woman  :   'twas  enough 
For  me  to  yield  obedience  to  the  voice 
Of  Virtue,  that  best  Monitor.  \^Mj  lord 
i  With  placid  aspect  and  a  silent  tongue 
/  I  still  receiv'd,  for  I  that  province  knew 
/  In  which  I  ought  to  rule,  and  when  to  yield 
t  Submission  to  a  husband's  will^  The  fame 
This  conduct  gain'd  me,  reached  the  Grecian  catnp^ 
And  prov'd  my  ruin  :  for  when  I  became 
A  captive,  Neoptolemus  resolt^'d 
To  take  me  to  his  bed,  and  in  the  house 
Of  murderers  I  to  slavery  am  consigned. 
If  shaking  oflF  my  Hector's  lov'd  remembrance 
To  this  new  Husband  I  my  soul  incline, 
I  shall  appear  perfidious  to  the  dead ; 
Or,  if  1  hate  Achilles'  son,  become 
iObnoxious  to  my  lords ;{tho'  some  assert 
/That  one  short  night  can  reconcile  th'  aversion    ' 
;  Of  any  woman  to  the  nuptial  couch ; 
I  scorn  that  widow^  reft  of  her  first  lord. 
Who  listens  to  the  voice  of  love,  and  weds 
Another.^  From  her  comrade  torn,  the  mare 
Sustains  the  yoke  reluctant,  iho'  a  brute 
Dumb  and  irrational,  by  nature  form'd 
Subordinate  to  man :  but  I  in  thee 
Possess'd  a  husband,  O  my  dearest  Hector, 
In  wisdom,  fortune,  and  illustrious  birth. 
For  me  sufficient,  great  in  martial  deeds  : 
A  spotless  virgin-bride,  me  from  the  house 
Of  my  great  father,  didst  thou  first  receive; 
But  thou  art  slain,  and  I  to  Greece  must  sail 
A  captive,  and  endure  the  servile  yoke? 
Is  not  the  death  of  that  Polyxena, 
Whom  thou,  O  Hecuba,  bewail'st,  an  ill 
More  tolerable  than  those  which  I  endure? 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  3ig 

For  Hope,  who  visits  every  wretch  beside. 
To  me  ne'er  comes ;  to  me  no  promised  joys 
AfFoixi  a  flattering  prospect  to  deceive 
This  anxious  bosom;  for  'tis  sweet  to  think 
E'en  of  ideal  bliss. 

CHORUS. 
Thou  art  involv'd 
In  the  same  sufi^erlngs,  and  in  plaintive  notes 
Bewailing  thy  calamity,  inform'st  me 
What  treatment  to  expect. 

HECUBA. 

I  ne'er  did  mount 
A  ship,  yet  I  from  pictures  and  report 
These  matters  know :  amidst  a  moderate  storm, 
Such  as  they  hope  to  weather  out,  the  sailors 
To  save  themselves,  exert  a  cheerful  toil ; 
This  to  the  rudder,  to  the  shattered  sails 
That  goes,  a  third  laborious  at  the  pump 
Draws  off  the  rising  waters;  but  if  vanquish'd 
By  the  tempestuous  ocean's  rage,  they  yield 
To  fortune,  and  consigning  to  the  waves 
Their  vessel,  are  at  random  driven  along. 
Thus  I  am  mute  beneath  unnumber'd  woes, 
Nor  can  this  tongue  expatiate,   for  the  Gods 
Such  torrents  pour  as  drown  my  feeble  voice  I 
But,  O  my  daughter,  cease  to  name  the  fate 
Of  slaughtered  Hector,  whom  no  tears  can  save. 
Pay  due  attention  to  thy  present  lord, 
With  amorous  glances  atxd  a  fond  compliancy 
Heceiving  him;  act  thus,  and  thou  wilt  cheer 
Our  friends,  and  this  my  grandson  educate 
A  bulwark  to  fallen  Ilion,  that  his  race 
The  city  may  rebuild,  and  dwell  in  Troy. 
But  a  fresh  topic  of  discourse  ensues. 
What  servant  of  the  Greeks  do  I  behold 
Again  draw  near,  t'  announce  some  new  design  f 


SflO  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

TALTHYBIUS,  ANDROMACHE,  HECUBA, 

CHORUS. 

TALTHYBIUS. 

O  thou  who  erst  wert  Hector's  wife,  that  bravest 
Of  Phrygians,  hate  me  not ;   for  with  reluctance 
Will  I  the  ffeneral  sentence  of  the  Greeks 
And  Pelops*  progeny,  announce. 

ANDROMACHE. 

What  means 
This  evil  prelude  ? 

TALTHYBIUS. 

Tis  decreed  thy  Son  ■    ■   ■ 
How  shall  I  speak  it  ? 

ANDROMACHE. 

To  a  separate  lord 
Shall  be  consign'd  ? 

TALTHYBIUS. 

None  of  the  Grecian  chiefs 
Shall  ever  o*er  Astyanax  bear  rule. 

ANDROMACHE. 

Must  I  leave  here,  him  who  alone  remains 
Of  all  that  erst  was  dear  to  me  in  Troy  f 

TALTHYBIUS. 

Alas !   I  know  not  in  what  terms  t'  express 
The  miseries  that  await  thee  ? 

ANDROMACHE. 

I  commend 
Such  modesty,   provided  thou  canst  speak 
Aught  to  afford  me  comfort. 

TALTHYBIUS. 

They  resolve  , 
To  slay  thy  son  ;  thou  hear'st  my  dismal  errand. 

ANDROMACHE. 

Ah  me!  thou  hast  unfolded  to  the3e  ears 
An  evil,  greater  than  my  menac'd  sppusals., 


\ 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  841 

TALTHYBIUS. 

By  his  harangues  to  the  assembled  Greeks, 
Ulysses  hath  prevail'd. 

ANDROMACHE. 

Alas!   alas! 
Immoderate  are  the  sorrows  I  endure. 

TALTHYBIUS. 

Saying  they  ought  not  to  train  up  the  son 
Of  that  heroic  sire. 

ANDROMACHE. 
May  he  obtain 
O'er  his  own  children  triumphs  great  as  these! 

TALTHYBIUS. 

He  from  the  towers  of  Ilion  must  be  thrown: 
But  I  entreat  thee,  and  thou  hence  shall  seem 
More  prudent,  strive  not  to  withhold  thy  son,' 
But  bear  thy  woes  with  firmness;  nor,  tho'  weak. 
Deem  thyself  strong  ;  for  thou  hast  no  support. 
And  therefore  must  consider  that  thy  city 
Is  overthrown,  thj^  husband  is  tio  more. 
Thou  art  reduc'd  to  servitude;  and  we 
Are  strong  enough  to  combat  with  one  woman : 
O  therefore  brave  not  this  unequal  strife. 
Stoop  not  to  aught  that's  base,  nor  yet  revile. 
Nor  idly  scatter  curses  on  thy  foes ; 
For  if  thou  utter  aught  that  may  provoke 
The  anger  of  the  host,  thy  son  will  bleed 
Unburied  and  unwept :  but  if  thou  bear 
With  silence  and  composure  thy  misfortunes, 
^^nereal  honours  shall  adorn  his  grave, 
And  Greece  to  thee  her  lenity  extend. 

ANDROMACHE. 

Thee,  Qmy  dearestson,  thy  foes  will  slay; 
Soon  art  thou  doom'd  to  leave  thy  wretched  mother.  - 
What  saves  the  lives  of  others,  the  renown 
Of  an  illustrious  sire,  to  thee  will  prove 
The  cause  of  death :  by  this  paternal  fami 

VOL.    11^  Y 


3««  THE  tROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

Art  thou  attended  in  an  evil  hour. 

To  me  how  luckless  prov'd  the  genial  bed^ 

And  those  espousals,  that  to  Hector's  house 

First  brought  me,  when  I  trusted  I  should  bear  t 

A  son,  no  victim  to  the  ruthless  Greeks, 

But  an  illustrious  Asiatic  king. 

Weep'st  thou,  my  Son?  dost  thou  perceive  thy  woes? 

Why  cling  to  me  widj  timid  hands  i  why  seize 

My  garment  ?  thus  beneath  it's  mother's  wings 

The  callow  bird  is  sheltered.     From  the  tomb. 

No  Hector  brandishing  his  massive  spear 

Rushes  to  save  thee ;   no  intrepid  kinsman 

Of  thy  departed  father,  nor  the  might 

Of  Phrygian  hosts  is  here :  but  from  aloof 

Borne  headlong  by  a  miserable  leap, 

Shalt  thou  pour  forth  thy  latest  gasp  of  life 

Unpitied.    Tender  burden  in  the  arm* 

Of  thy  fond  mother  !  what  ambrosial  odours 

Breathed  from  tby  lips  ?   I  swath'd  thee  to  my  breast 

In  vain,  I  toil'd  in  vain,  and  wore  away 

My  strength  with  fruitless  labours.     Yet  embrace 

Thy  mother  once  again  ;  around  my  neck 

Entwine  thy  arms,  and  give  one  parting  kiss. 

Ye  Greeks,  who  studiously  invent  new  modes  ^ 

Of  unexampled  cruelty,  why  slay 

This  guiltless  infant  ?  Helen,  O  thou  daughter 

Of  (9)  Tyndarus,  never  didst  thou  spring  from  Jove, 

But  I  pronounce  thee  born  of  many  Sires, 

(9)  Barnes's  not6  on  this  passage,  mforming  us  tliat  Helen's  Father 
Tyndarus,  was  the  fourth  in  a  Imeal  descent  from  Lacedaemon,  s<A  of 
Jupiter,  appears  to  have  a  tendency  to  mislead  the  reader.  Wlmt  jln* 
dromache  here  says  of  Helen,  being  only  the  language  of  indignatioD, 
with  as  littie  intention  o(  questioning  her  pedigree,  as  Patroclns,  in 
Homer,  has  of  depriving  his  friend  Achilles  of  boUi  his  parents,  when  b^ 
say»> 

Oo3i  ^mc,f^>fn^  yXauxn  it  «  <rwri  ^akeeatrec^ 

nprgea  t'  rihSofm.  II.  L,  Ijg.  t.  33. 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  S23 

I  

An  evil  Genius,  Envy,  Slaughter,  Death, 
^nd  every  evil  that  from  Earth  receives 
Its  nourishment ;  nor  dare  I  to  assert 
nhat  Jove  himself  begot  a  pest  like  thee^ 
Fatal.to  Greece  and  each  Barbarian  chief. 
Perdition  overtake  thee !  for  those  eyes 
By  their  seducing  glances  have  overthrown 
The  Phrygian  empire.     Bear  this  child  away, 
And  cast  him  from  the  turrets  if  ye  list. 
Then  banquet  on  his  quivering  flesh  :  the  Gods 
Ordain  that  I  shall  perish  :   nor  from  him 
Can  I  repell  the  stroke  of  deaths     Conceal 
This  wretched  form  from  public  view,  and  plunge  me 
In  the  ship's  hold  ;  for  I  have  lost  my  son. 
Such  the  blest  prelude  to  my  nuptial  rite. 

CHORUS. 

Thy  myriads,  hapless  llion,  did  expire 
In  combat  for  one  woman,  to  maintain 
Paris'  accurs'd  espousals. 

(10)  ANDROMACHE. 

Cease,  my  child, 

Nor  ever  amorous  Hero  caus'd  thy  blrtb, 

Nor  ever  tetider  Goddess  brought  thee  forth, 

Some  ragged  rocks'  hard  entrails  gave  thee  form, 

And  raging  seas  produced  thee  in  a  storm.  Popfi* 

m  Virgihi  Dido,  when  she  says  to  ^neas, 

Nee  tibi  di\'a  parens,  generis  nee  Dardanus  auctor, 
Perfide:  sed  duris  genuit  te  cautibus  horrens 
Caucasus,  Hyrcanaeque  admorunt  ubera  tigres. 

JEjou  L.  4.  v.  366* 

False  as  thou  art,  and  more  than  false,  forsworn  / 

Not  sprung  from  noble  blood,  nor  Goddess-bom^ 

But  heivn  from  hardened  entrails  of  a  rock^ 

And  rough  Hyrcanian  tygers  gave  thee  suck.  Drtdbv. 

In  La  Cerda's  note  on  the  latter  of  these  passages,  the  reader  will  find 
near  twenty  similar  instances,  collected  from  a  variety  of  Greek  and 
'Latin  writers,  not  only  in  verse  but  prose. 

(10)  From  the  whole  tenor  of  this  speech,  and  more  particularly  the 
terms  tnpnuuta  and  vfJlt^  yKupiv,  I  am  strongly  induced  to  conclude  that 

T2   ■'     '  '       • 


3^4  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

Fondly  to  lisp  thy  wretched  Mother's  name. 
Ascend  the  height  of  thy  paternal  towers. 
Whence  'tis  hy  Greece  decreed  thy  parting  breatk 
Shall  issue.    Take  him  hence.    Aloud  proelaim 
This  deed  ye  merciless :  that  wretch  alone 
Who  never  knew  the  blush  of  virtuous  shame,  ^ 
Your  sentence  caif  applaud. 

lExeunt  anhhomachb  and  tai*thybiu8. 

HECUBA. 

O  chiW,  thou  son 
Of  my  unhappy  Hector,  from  thy  Mother 
And  me  thou  unexpectedly  art  torn. 
What  can  I  do,  what  help  afford  ?  for  thee 
I  smite  this  head,  this  miserable  breast ; 
Thus  far  my  power  extends.    Alas,  thou  city. 
And,  O  my  grandson  !  is  there  yet  a  curse 
Beyond  what  we  have  felt  ?  remains  there  aught 
To  save  us  from  the  yawning  gulph  of  ruin  ? 

CHORUS. 

ODE. 
I.  J. 

In  Salamis'  profound  retreat  / 

Fam'd  for  the  luscious  treasures  of  the  bee, 

High  rais'd  above  th*  encircling  sea 
Tliou,  Telamon,  didst  fix  thy  regal  seat ; 

Near  to  (\\)  those  sacred  hills,  where  spread 

The  olive  first  its  fragrant  sprays, 

Aldus,  Barnes,  &c  have  judged  right  m  ascribing  it  to  ABdtmnadie,  wlior^ 
oh  leaving  the  stage  ends  with  addressing  herself  to  Talthybius.  It  ap« 
pears,  however^  by.  Dr.  Miugrave's  notes  and  bis  Latin  ▼enioD^  liiat  botk 
Mr.  Tyrwhitt  and  himself  are  of  a  different  opinio^,  tmd  pot  tliese  Uneft 
into  the  mouth  of  Talthybius ;  but  I  obfierve,  that  in  order  to  efibct  such 
change  of  speakers  with,  any  apparent  propriety^  th^  pffVftoee  ^terinf 
^4^}^  into  ^liffK^  without  citing  any  authority  for  so  doing.:  Conip 
pmtmr  ontiquae  editiones  ab  eruditis  hominibus,  quae  tamen  iq^terdom 
nihil  emendationis  in<ligent,  is  a  passage  in  the  Adversaria  of  TiiniebaS 
which  very  frequently  occurs  to  me^ 

. ,  .(11)  T^  hiU  ugqn  which  the  citaddi  of  Athens  wa9  afterwards  erected, 
is  the  place  where  the  olive  ^nX  made  its  appearance,  on  Minenn^ 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  325 

To  form  a  garland  for  Minerva's  head. 
And  the  Athenian  splendor  raise : 
With  the  fam'd  archer,  with  Alcmena's  son 
Thou  cam'st  exulting  with  vindictive  joy ;        i 
By  3*our  confederate  arms  was  llion  won, 
When  from  thy  Greece  thou  cam'st  our  city  to  destroy. 

1.2. 
Repining  for  the  promis'd  steeds, 

From  Greece  Alcides  led  a  chosen  band, 
With  hostile  prows  th'  indented  strand 

He  reached,  and  anchored  near  fair  Siuaois'  meads; 
Selected  fronii  each  ship,  he  led 
Those  who  with  dextrous  hand  could  wing 

Th'  unerring  shaft,  till  slaughter  reach'd  thy  head^ 
Laomedon,  thou  perjur'd  king  : 

Those  battlements  which  Phoebus'  self  did  rear 

The  victor  wasted  with  devouring  flame; 

Twice  o'er  Troy's  walls  hath  wav'd  the  hostile  spear. 
Twice  have  insultingshoutsannounc'dDardania's  shame/ 

II.    1. 
Thou  bear'st  the  sparkling  wine  in  vain 
With  step  effeminate,  0(1?)  Phrygian  boy, 
Erewhile  didst  thou  approach  with  joy 

striking  tlie  ground  with  her  spear  in  her  contest  i^ith  Neptune,  which  of 
them  should  give  their  name  to  Cecropia,  iirhich  tWa  aflerwardft  called 
Athens,  in  honour  of  tlie  Ooddese,  from  t^met^  the  Greek  for  Muierva. 
The  island  of  Salamis  is  situated  in  the  Saron|ao  bay,  or  gulph  of  ;.£gina, 
not  far  distant  from  the  coast  of  Athens,  and  was  reduced  into  subjec- 
tion by  that  state  before  the  days  of  Euripides.  Strabo  and  Eustathius 
say,  tliat  when  the  Athenians  and  M^gaiians  were  contending  fir^S^U- 
rais,  Pisistratus  or  Solon  quoted  the  two  following  lin^  fnmi  Hotee^  to 
prove  that  the  island  belonged  to  the  Athenians : 

Many  cvitics  suppose  the  second  of  these  lines  to  have  been  forged  on 
that  occasion.    But  Aristotle,  in  Ws  Rhetoric,  calls  the  above  passage  of 
Homer  ^*  a  clear  testimony,  <rf'wliiehtbe  A  theflianB  availed  themselves," 
without  insinuating  the  least  doubt  of  its  arthenticity. 
(12)  Ganymede. 


3£6  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

To  fill  the  goblet  of  impierial  Jove  ; 

For  now  thy  Troy  lies  levelPd  with  the  plaln^ 

And  its  thick  smoke  ascends  the  realms  above.. 

On  th'  echoing  coast  our  plaints  we  vent. 
As  feather'd  songsters  o'er  their  young  bewail^^ 

A  child  or  husband  these  lament. 
And  those  behold  their  captive  Mothers  sail : 
The  founts  where  thou  didst  bathe,  th'  athletic  sports. 

Are  now  no  more.    Each  blooming  grace 
Sheds  charms  unheeded  o'er  thy  placid  facte. 

And  thou  frequent'st  Heaven's  splendid  co\ptrts. 
Triumphant  Greece  hath  levell'd  in  the  dust 
The  throne  lyhere  Priam  rul'd  the  virtuous  and  the  just. 

II.  2. 

With  happier  auspices,  O  Love, 
Erst  didst  thou  hover  o*er  this  f|*^itfuI  plain. 

Hence  caught  the  Gods  thy  thrilling  pain ; 
By  thee  embellish'd,  Troy's  resplendent  towers 
Rear'd  their  proud  summits  blest  by  thundering  JovCi 
For  our  allies  were  the  celestial  powers. 

But  I  po  longer  will  betray 
Heaven's  ruler  to  reproach  and  biting  shape. 

The  white- wing'd  Morn,   blest  source  of  day, 
Who  cheers  the  nations  with  her  kindling  flame. 
Beheld  thesfe  walls  demoli^h'd,   and  th'  abode 

Of  that  dear  (13)  Prince  who  shar'd  her  bed 
In  fragments  o'er  the  wasted  champain  spread : 

While  swift  along  the  starry  road. 
Her  golden  car  his  country '^  guardian  bore  : 
False  was  each  amorous  God,  aqd  Ilion  is  no  more, 

MENELAUS,  HECUBA,  CHORUS. 

MENELAUS. 

Hail,  O  ye  solar  beams,  who  on  this  dayj, 
Wheji  I  my  consort  Helen  shall  regain 

r^  (J3)  Tithonust  ; 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  327 

Your  radiance  shed.     For  I  am  he  who  long 

Endur'd  the  toils  of  battle,  M enelaus. 

Attended  by  the  Grecian  host.    To  Troy, 

Not  in  a  woman's  cause,  as  many  deem, 

I  came,  but  came  to  punish  him  who  broke 

The  laws  of  hospitality,  and  ravish'd 

My  Consort  from  my  palace.     He  hath  suffered 

As  he  deserved,  such  was  the  will  of  Heaven, 

He  and  his  country  by  the  spear  of  Greece 

Have  been  destroyed.    But  I  am  come  tojbear         v 

That  Spartan  Dame  away,  whom  with  regret 

I  term  my  Consort,  though  she  once  was  mine*     • 

But  she  beneath  these  tents  is  with  the  rest 

Of  Phrygians  captives  number'd  :  for  the  troops 

Whose  arms  redeem'd  her,-  have  to  me  consigned 

That  I  might  either  take  away,  or  spare 

Her  life,  and  waft  her  to  the  Argive  coast. 

I  am  resolvM  that  Helen  shall  not  bleed 

In  Troy,  but  o'er  the  foaming  waves  to  Greece 

Will  I  convey  her,  and  to  them  whose  friends 

Before  yon  walls  were  slain,  surrender  up 

To  perish  by  their  vengeance.     But  with  speed 

Enter  the  tent,  thence  by  that  hair  defil'd 

With  murder,  O  my  followers,  drag  her  forth, 

And  hitheif  bring :  for  when  a  prosperous  breeze 

Arisiis,  her  will  I  to  Greece  convey. 

HECUBA. 

O  thou  who  mov'st  the  world,  and  in  this  earth 
Hast  fix'd  thy  station,  whosoe'er  thou  art. 
Impervious  to  our  reason,  whether  thou, 
O  Jove,  art  dread  Necessity  which  rules 
All  Nature,  or  that  Soul  which  animates 
The  breasts  of  mortals,  thee  do  I  adore. 
For  in  a  silent  path  thou  tread'st  and  guid'st 
Witli  justice  the  affairs  of  man. 

MENELAUS. 

What  means 


¥■ 


328  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

This  innovation  in  the  solemn  prayer 
You  to  the  Gods  address  ? 

HECUBA. 

I  shall  applaud 
The  stroke,  O  Menelaus,  if  thou  slay 
Thy  wife ;  but  soon  as  thou  behold'st  her,  fly. 
Lest  she  with  love  ensnare  thee.     For  the  eyes 
Of  men  she  captivates,  overturns  whole  cities. 
And  fires  the  roofs  of  lofty  palaces. 
She  is  possess'd  of  such  resistless  charms ; 
Both  I  and  thou  and  thousands  to  their  cost, 
Alas!   are  sensible  how  great  her  power. 

HELEN,  MENELAUS,  HECUBA,  CHORUS, 

HBLW^. 

0  Menelaus,  this  is  sure  a  prelude 

To  greater  horrors.     For  with  brutal  hands 
I  by  your  servants  from  these  tents  am  dragg'd  ? 
Too  well  I  know  you  hate  me,  yet  would  learn^ 
How  you  and  Greece  have  of  my  life  disposed. 

MENELAUS. 
Thou  by  the  utmost  rigour  of  the  ]aw^ 
Hast  not  been  sentenc'd  ;  but  the  host,  ta  me 
Whom  thou  hast  wrong'd,  consign  thee  to  be  slain* 

HELEN, 

May  not  I  answer  to  these  harsh  resolves. 
That  if  I  bleed,  unjustly  shall  I  bleed  ? 

MENELAUS. 

1  came  not  hither  to  debate,   but  slay  thee? 

HECUBA. 

Hear  her,  nor  let  her  die,  O  Menelaus, 
Without  this  privilege.     Me  too  allow 
To  make  reply  to  her  defence  ;  for  nought 
Of  the  foul  deeds,  which  she  in  Troy  committed 
Yet  know'6t  thou:    if  united,   the  whole  tale 
Must  force  thee  to  destroy  her,  and  preclude 
All  means  of  her  escaping. 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  329 

MENELAXJS. 

An  indulgence 
Like  this  supposes  leisure  to  attend  ; 
However,  if  she  have  a  wish  to  speak. 
She  may :  but  be  assurd,  that  my  compliance 
To  your  request  is  owing,  for  such  favour 
To  her  I  would  not  grant. 

HELEN. 

Perhaps  with  me 
Whom  you  account  a  foe,  you  will  not  deign, 
Whether  I  seem  to  utter  truth,  or  faishood. 
To  parly.— But  to  each  malignant  charge 
With  which,  O  Hecuba,  I  know  thou  com'st 
Prepared  against  me,  will  I  make  reply. 
And  to  o'er-balance  all  that  thou  canst  urge 
Produce  recriminations. — First,  she  bore 
Paris,  the  author  of  these  mischiefs,  next 
Did  aged  Priam  ruin  Troy  and  me. 
When  erst  that  infant  he  forbore  to  slay. 
That  baleful  semblance  of  a  flaming  torch? 
Hear  what  ensued  ;   by  Paris  were  the  claims 
Of  the  three  rival  Goddesses  decided. 
The  gift  Minerva  profFer'd  ;  that  comniandine^ 
The  Phrygians,  he  should  tfonquer  Greece;  while  Juno 
Promised,  that  he  bis  empire  should  extend 
From  Asia  to  remotest  Europe's  bounds. 
If  he  to  her  adjudg'd  the  golden  prize; 
But  Venus,  who  in  rapturous  terms  extoll'd 
My  charms,  engaged  that  as  the  great  reward 
She  would  on  him  bestow  me;  to  her  .beauty 
If  o'er  each  Goddess  he  the  preference  gave. 
Observe  the  sequel;  Venqs,  o'er  Minei'va, 
And  Juno,  gain'd  the  triumph  ;  and  my  nuptials 
Thus  far  have  been  a  benefit  to.  Greece  ; 
Ye  are  not  subject  to  Barbarian  lords. 
Crush's  by  invasion,  or  tyrannic  power. 
But  I  my  ruia  owe  to  what  my  country 


% 


530  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

Hath  found  thus  advantageous,  for  my  charms 

To  Paris  sold,  and  branded  with  disgrace. 

E'en  for  such  deeds  as  merited  a  wreath 

To  crown  these  brows.     But  you  may  yrge,  that  all     ^ 

I  have  alleg'd  is  of  no  real  weight. 

Because  by  stealth  I  from  your  palace  fled. 

Accompanied  by  no  mean  Goddess,  came 

That  evil  genius,  sprung  from  Hecuba, 

Distinguish  him  by  either  name  you  list 

Paris  or  Alexander,  in  your  house. 

Whom,  O  delirious,  you  behind  you  left, 

And  sail'd  from  Sparta  to  the  (14)  Cretan  isle. 

Well,  be  it  so.     Of  my  own  heart,  not  you 

I  in  regard  to  all  that  hence  ensued 

Will  ask  th^  question.     What  could  have  induced  mc. 

Following  that  stranger,  to  forsake  my  home. 

False  to  my  native  land  ?  impute  the  guilt 

To  Venus,  and  assume  a  power,  beyond  ^ 

E*en  that  of  Jove,  who  rules  th*  inferior  Gods 

But  yields  to  her  behests.     My  crime  was  venial ; 

Yet  hence  you  may  allege  a  specious  charge 

Against  me;  since  to  earth's  dark  vaults  the  corse 

Of  Paris  was  consign'd,  no  longer  bound 

Thro'  Heaven's  supreme-^oree  in  nuptial  chains, 

I  to  the  Grecian  fleet  should  have  escapM 

Froui  Ilion's  palace ;  such  was  my  design  : 

This  can  the  guards  of  Troy's  beleaguer'd  towers. 

And  centinels  who  on  the  walls  were  station'd. 

Attest,  that  oft  they  caught  me,  as  with  ropes  . 

By  stealth  I  strove  to  light  upon  the  ground ; 

But  a  new  husband,  fierce  Deiphobus, 

Obtain'd  me  for  a  wife  by  brutal  force, 

(14)  "  Upon  Paris'8  landiog  in  Sparta  he  was  received  urith  the 
**  greatest  honours  by  Menelaus;  but,  because  it  was  necessary  for 
^  Menelaus  to  go  at  that  time  to  Crete  to  divide  the  wealth  of  Atreus,^ 
**  he  left  Paris  at  his  house,  and  commanded  Helen  to  pay  the  same  ^t-* 
*<  teution  to  his  guest  as  to  himself.    Barnes. 


# 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  SSI 

Tho'  every  Phrygian  disapprov'd.     What  law 

Can  sentence  me,  whom  'gainst  my  will  be  wedded, 

By  you,  my  Lord,  with  justice  to  be  slain? 

But  for  the  benefits  thro'  me  deriv'd 

To  Greece,  1  in  the  stead  of  laureat  wreaths 

With  slavery  am  requited.     If  you  wish 

To  overcome  the  Gods'  supreme  behests 

That  yery  wish  were  folly. 

CHORUS, 

O  my  Queen, 
Assert  thy  children's  and  thy  country's  cause, 
'Gainst  her  persuasive  language,  for  she  speaks 
With  eloquence,  tho'  guilty:  curst  imposture! 

HECUBA.  ^      , 

I  those  three  Goddesses  will  first  defend,  •  ^ 

And  prove  that  she  hath  utter'd  vile  untruths : 
For  of  such  madness  ne'er  can  I  suspect 
Juno  and  Pallas  that  immortal  maid, 
As  that  the  first  should  to  Barbarian  tribes 
Propose  to  sell  her  Argos,  o^  Minerva 
To  make  her  Athens  subject  to  the  Phrygians: 
Seeking  in  sportive  strife  the  palm  of  beauty 
They  c^me  to  Ida's  mount.     For  thro'  what  motive 
Could  Juno  with  such  eagerness  have  wish'd 
Her  charms  might  triumph  i  to  obtain  a  husband 
Greater  than  Jove?  could  Pallas,  who  besought 
Her  Sire  she  ever  might  remain  a  virgin, 
Propose  to  wed  some  Deity  ?  Forbear 
To  represent  these  Goddesses  as  foolish. 
That  thy  transgressions  may  by  their  example 
Be  justified  :  thou  never  canst  persuade 
The  wise.    Thoahast  presumed  t*  assert  (but  thia 
Was  a  ridiculous  pretence)  that  Venus 
Came  with  my  son  to  Menelaus*  house. 
Could  she  not  calmly  have  abode  in  Heaven, 
Yet  wafted  thee  and  all  Amycla's  city 
^o  Ilion  ?  but  t\\e  beauty  of  my  son 


332  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

Was  great,  and  thy  own  heart,  when  thou  bebeld'st  him 

Became  thy  Venus :  for  whatever  folly 

Prevails,  is  th'  (15)  Aphrodite  of  mankind  : 

That  of  Love's  Goddess,  justly  doth  commence 

With  the  same  (15)  letters  as  an  ideot's  name. 

Him  did'st  tliou  see  in  a  barbaric  vest 

With  gold  refulgent,  and  thy  wanton  heart 

Was  thence  inflam'd  with  fove,  for  thou  wertpoor 

While  jet  thou  didst  reside  in  Greece  ;  but  leaving 

The  Spartan  regions,  thou  didst  hope,  the  city 

Of  Troy,  with  gold  o'erflowing,  could  support 

Thy  prodigality ;  for  the  revenues 

Of  Menelaus  far  too  scanty  prov'd 

For  thy  luxuriant  appetUes:  but  say'st  thou 

That  Paris  bore  thee  thence  by  force?  what  Spartan 

Saw  this?  or,  mih  what  cries  didst  thou  invoke 

Castor  or  Pollux,  thy  immortal  brothers. 

Who  yet  on  earth  remained,  nor  had  ascended 

The  starry  height  f  but  since  thou  cam'st  to  Troy, 

And  hither  the  confederate  troops  of  Greece 

Tracing  thy  steps,  began  the  bloody  strife. 

Whene'er  thou  heard'st  that  Menelaus  prospered 

Him  did'st  thou  praise,  and  make  my  Son  to  grieve  . 

That  such  a  mighty  rival  shar'd  thy  love : 

But  if  the  Trojan  army  prov'd  victorious. 

He  shrunk  into  a  thing  of  nought.     On  Fortune 

Still  didst  thou  look,  still  deaf  to  Virtue*s  call 

Follow  her  banners :  yet  dost  thou  assert 

(15)  Though  I  am  very  sensible  the  word  Aphrodite  i»  not  natutrfffo^ 
!n  the  English  language  as  a  name  of  Venus ;  the  quibble  here  made  use 
of,  induces  me  to  retain  it  in  this  passage  :  the  Greek  Lexicographers 
derive  the  word  from  aj^>^whK  "  foamy"  on  account  of  her  origin  from  the 
sea ;  but  though  tliis  be  its  common  acceptation,  it  is  here  twisted,  as 
Henry  Stephens  observes  in  his  Greek  Thesaums,  into  the  same  etymo- 
logy with  fltfUgoowj  which  signifies  "  folly.*  An  English  translator^  how- 
ever, finds  himself  here  under  the  same  disadvantages  with  those  men- 
tioned  by  Barnes  in  bis  notes  on  this  passage,  with  regard  to  his  Lsttn 
version. 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIV]^S.  335 

That  thou  by  cords  hast  from  the  lofty  towers 

Iq  secrecy  attempted  to  descend, 

As  if  thou  here  hadst  been  constrained  to  stay? 

Where  then  wert  thou  surpriz'd,  or  sharpen'd  sword. 

Or  ropes  preparing,  as  each  generous  dame 

Who  sought  her  former  husband  would  have  done  ? 

Oft  have  I  counsel  I'd  thee  in  many  words ; 

"  Depart,  O  Daughter,  that  my  Sons  may  take      '  /  ^ 

'^  Brides  less  obnoxious:  thee  aboard  the  ships       '    • 

''  Of  Greece^  assisting  in  thy  secret  flight, 

'^  Will  I  convey.    O  end  the  war  'twixt  Greece 

*^  And  Ilion."     But  to  thee  was  such  advice 

Unwelcome  ;  for  with  pride  thou  in  the  house 

Of  Paris  didst  behave  thyself,  and  claim 

The  adoration  of  Barbaric  tribes. 

For  this  was  thy  great  object.     But  e'en  now 

Thy  charms  displaying,  clad  in  gorgeous  vest 

Dost  thou  go  forth,  still  daring  to  behold 

That  canopy  of  Heaven  which  overhangs 

Thy  injur'd  husband  ;  thou  detested  woman! 

Whom  it  had  suited,  if  in  tatter'd  vest 

Shivering,  with  tresses  shorn,  in  Scythian  guise 

Thou  hadst  appear'd,  and  for  transgressions  past 

Deep  smitten  with  remorse,  assum'd  the  blush 

Of  virtuous  matrons,  not  that  frontless  air. 

Of  Menelaus!  I  will  now  conclude; 

By  slaying  her,  prepare  for  Greece  the  wreaths 

It  merits,  and  extend  to  the  whole  sex 

This  law,  that  every  woman  who  betrays 

Her  lord  shall  die. 

CHORUS. 

As  that  illustrious  stem 
Whence  thou  deriv'st  thy  birth,  and  as  thy  rank 
Demand,  on  thy  adulterous  wife  inflict 
Just  punishment,  and  purge  this  foul  reproach. 
This  instance  of  6  woman's  lust,  from  Greece  v 
So  shall  thy  very  enemies  perceive 
7I10U  art  magnanimous,  .> .  ^  . 


I 

/ 


334  tHE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

MENELAUS. 

Your  thoughts  concur* 
With  mine,  that  she  a  willing  fugitive 
My  palace  left  and  sought  a  foreign  bed ; 
But  speaks  of  Venus  merely  to  disguise 
Her  ftifamy.  —  Away!  thou  shalt  be  ston'd, 
And  in  one  instant  for  the  tedious  woes 
Of  Greece  make  full  atonement ;  I  will  teach  thee 
That  thou  didst  shame  me  in  an  evil  hour. 

HELEN. 

I  by  those  knees  entreat  you,  O  forbear 
To  slay  me,  that  distractioti  sent  by  Heaven 
To  me  imputing  :  but  forgive  me. 

HEGUBA. 

Wrong  not 
Thy  partners  in  the  war,  ttrhom  she  hath  slttiri ; 
In  theirs,  and  in  my  children's  cause,  I  sue. 

MENELAUS. 

Desist,  thou  hoary  matron  :  her  entreaties 
Move  not  this  stedfast  bosom.     O  my  follower* 
Attend  her,  I  command  3'ou,  to  the  ships     ' 
Which  shall  convey  her  hence. 

HEGUBA. 

Let  her  not  enter 
Thy  ship. 

MENELAUS* 

Is  she  grown  heavier  than  before  ? 

HECUBA- 

He  never  lov'd  who  doth  not  always  love, 
Howe'er  the  inclinations  of  the  dame 
He  loves  may  fluctuate. 

MENELAUS. 

All  shall  be  performed 
According  to  thy  wish ;  she  shall  not  enter 
My  bark  :  fer  thou  hast  utter'd  wholesome  counsels : 
But  soon  as  she  in  Argos'  lands,  with  shame. 
As  she  deserves,  shall  she  be  slain,  and  warn 
All  women  to  be  chaste.    No  e.asy  task : 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  335 

Yet  shall  her  ruin  startle  every  child 

Of  folly,  tho'  more  vicious  still  than  Helen. 

CHORUS. 
ODE. 

I.  1. 

E*eti  thus  by  too  severe  a  doom, 

To  Greece,  O  Jove,  hast  thou  betray 'd 
Our  shrines,  our  altars,  dropping  rich  perfume, 
The  lambent  flame  that  round  the  victims  play'd. 

Myrrh's  odorous  smoke  that  mounts  the  skie^,- 
Yon  holy  citadel,  with  Ida's  grove 
Around  whose  oaks  the  clasping  ivy  piles. 

Where  riulets  meandering  rove 
Cold  and  translucent  from  the  drifted  snows ; 

On  that  high  ridge  with  orient  blaze 
The  Sun  first  scatters  his  enlivening  rays. 
And  with  celestial  flame  th'  ecstatic  Priestess  glows. 

T      o 

Mm  «>• 

Each  sacrifice,  each  pious  rite. 

Hence  vanished,  w^ith  th'  harmonious  choirs 
Whose  accents  sootb'd  the  languid  ear  of  night. 
While  to  the  Gods  we  wak'd  our  sounding  lyres ; 

Their  golden  images  no  more 
Twelve  times  each  year,  on  that  jrevolving  eve 
When  shines  the  fuU-orb'd  moon,  do  we  adore. 

Harrass'd  by  anxious  fears,  I  grieve. 
Oft  thinking,  whether  thou,  O  Jove,  wilt  deign 

To  listen  to  our  piteous  moan. 
High  as  thou  sitt'si  on  thy  celestial  throne; 
For  Troy,  by  fire  consumed,  lies  level  with  the  plain, 

II.  1. 

Thou,  O  my  husband,  roam'st  a  flitting  shade^  , 
To  thee  are"  all  funereal  rites  denied. 

To  thee  tio  lustral  drops  supplied  : 
But  I  by  the  swift  Jbark  shall  be  convey'd 


o 


36  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 


Where  Argos*  cloud-capp'd  fortress  stands. 
Erected  by  the  Cyclops'  skilful  hands. 
Before  our  doors  assembling  children  groan. 

And  oft  repeat  with  clamorous  moan 
A  mother's  name.  —  Alone  shall  I  be  borne 
Far  from  thy  sight,  by  the  victorious  host 

Of  Greece,  and  leaving  Ilion's  coast. 
O'er  Ocean's  azure  billows  sail  forlorn. 
Either  to  Salamis,  that  sacred  land. 
Or  where  the  Isthmian  summit  o'er  two  seas 
A  wide  extended  prospect  doth  command, 
(If))  Seated  in  Pelops'  straits  where  Greece  the  prize 
decrees. 

II.     2. 
Its  arduous  voyage  more  than  half  complete. 
In  the  ^gean  deep,  and  near  the  land, 

(16)  Unable  after  the  searches  I  have  made  for  that  purpbse,  to  meet 
either  i;nth  any  reading  or  exposition  of  this  difficult  piumige  whidi  8p^ 
pears  to  me  preferable  to  e^a  zsv\Bug 

nfXoTro;  tyttciv  si^i,  copied  from  Aldus, 

Ubi  in  portis  Pelopis  sunt  sedes,  as  it  stands  in  Barnes,  who  thns  in- 
terprets it  in  his  note  *^  Ubi  sedes  Pelopis,  id  est  Peloponesus  in  an- 
*^  gnstiis  8uis  (lli/Xo;  vocat)  habct  certamen  Isthmicum."  The  Istfamian 
games  celebrated  by  Pindar,  date  their  origin  from  Sisyphos  kiiig  of 
Corinth,  nvho  finding  on  the  shore  the  body  of  Melicerta  (the  son  of 
Ino,  who  was  afterwards  deified  by  the  name  of  Palamion)  buried  it; 
soon  after  which,  the  land  was  aflilicted  by  a  plague,  and  Sisyphus  con- 
sulted the  oracle,  which  directed  him  to  celebrate  funereal  games  ifi  ho* 
nour  of  Melicerta.  When  the  Corinthians  left  off  paying  tUs  homage 
to  the  new  Sea-God,  the  pestilence  broke  out  afresh,  and  tike  same  ora- 
cular response  commanded  the  games  to  be  perpetuated :  they  were 
however  interrupted  for  a  time  by  the  outrages  and  murders  committed 
on  the  Isthmus,  but  were  re-established  by  Theseus,  after  6e  bad  purged 
the  land  of  Sinnis  and  the  other  robbers  who  infested  it.  The  circuit 
stance  which  to'  me  seems  to  account  for  these  ^*  ti^"  or  ^  seats  for' 
*^  viewing  the  Isthmian  gs^nes,"  being  here  introduced,  is,  its  being  men- 
tioned by  Plutarch,  in  his  life  of  Theseus^  lliat  he  agreed  witii  Ihe  Co» 
rinthians,  as  an  acknowledgement  for  the  services  he  had  dome  tbem^ 
that  the  Athenians  who  attended  the  Isthmian  games  should  have  th« 
privilege  of  occupying  the  first  seats :  an  honorary  distinction  to 
country  npt  likely  for  Euripides  to  omit  making  some  aUustoti  to. 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  337 

May  the  red  lightning  by  Jove's  hand 
Wing'd  from  the  skies  with  tenfold  ruin,  meet 

The  bark  that  wafts  me  o'er  the  wava 
From  Troy  to  Greece  a  miserable  slave. 
Before  the  golden  mirror  wont  to  braid 

Her  tresses,  like  a  sportive  maid, 
May  Helen  never  reach  the  Sparlaii  shore, 
Those  houshold  Gods  to  whom  she  prov'd  untrue^ 

Nor  her  paterniil  mansions  view. 
Enter  the  streets  of  Pitane  no  more. 
Nor  Pallas'  temple  with  its  brazen  gate; 
Because  her  nuptials  teein'd  with  foul  disgrace 
To  mighty  Greece  thro'  each  confederate  state ; 
And  hence  on  Simois' banks  were  slainTroy's  guiltless  race 

But  ha !  on  this  devoted  realm  are  hurl'd 
Successive  woes.     Ye  hapless  Phrygian  dames^ 
Behold  the  slain  Astyanax,  whom  Greece 
With  rasre  inhuman  from  von  towers  hath  thrown. 

.  TALTHYBIU.S,  HECUBA,  CHORUS. 
The  Body  of  astyanax  borne  in  upon  a  Shield. 

TALTHYIPIUS. 
O  Hecuba,  one  ship  is  left  behind 
To  carry  the  remainder  of  the  spoils 
Which  to  Achilles'  Son  have  been  adjudg'd, 
Xo  Pfathia's  coast.     For  Neoptolemus, 
Hearing  that  recent  evils  hath  befali'u 
His  grandsire  Peleus,   and  that  Pelias' son  (17) 

(17)  "  Pelias,  the  father  of  Acastus,  was  son  of  Neptune  or  Salmo- 
**  neas,  who  was  the  son  of  Dorus,  who  was  the  son  of  Deucalion. 
^  Others  represent  this  history  diflerently,  for  \diile  our  Poet  asserts 
^  that  Peleus  when  oppressed  with  old  age  was  stripped  of  his  Kingdom 
*^  by  Acastus,  son  of  Pelias  \  ApoUodoms  and  others  affirm  that,  long 
**  before  this  time,  Acastus,  with  his  Wife  who  had  felsly  accused  Pe- 
^  leu8  of  adultery,  was  slain  by  Peleus.  See  Apollodorus,  L.  3,  c.  1%^ 
Barnes. 
f  Upon  ftifatnining  (^^  passag^  HsfelTed  to,  I  find  th^t  it  is  very  tnaccu- 


338  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 


Acastus  hath  expelTd  him  from  his  realm, 

Aheady  hath  departed  with  such  speed 

As  would  admit  of  no  delay:  with  him 

Andromache  is  gone,  for  whom  I  shed 

A  stream  of  tears,  when  from  the  land  she  went 

Waihng  her  country,  and  to  Hector's  tomb 

Her  phiints  addressing:  the  victorious  chief 

Hath  she  entreated,   to  allow  the  corse 

Of  your  unhappy  Hector's  Sou,  who  perishM 

From  Ilion's  ramparts  thrown,  to  be  interr'd. 

Nor  bear  thir»  Shield,  the  terror  of  the  Greeks, 

With  brass  refulgent,  which  his  Father  plac'd 

Before  his  flank  in  battle,  to  the  house 

Of  Peleus;   nor  to  that  ill-omen'd  chamber 

Where  spousals  dire  on  her  arrival  wait 

The  JM  other  of  the  slain  ;  for  such  an  object 

Must  grieve  her  to  behold  :    but  in  the  stead 

Of  cedar  and  the  monumental  stone. 

Bury  the  child  in  this:  for  she  the  corse 

Hath  to  your  arms  consigned,  that  you  may  grace  it 

With  mnnv  a  fraofrant  ijarland,  and  with  vests 

Such  as  your  present  fortunes  will  afford. 

For  she  has  saiTd,  and  thro'  his  haste  her  lord 

Prevented  her  from  lodging  in  the  grave 

Her  Son.     While  thus  you  his  remains  adorn 

We  will  mark  out  the  spot,  and  with  our  spears 

Dig  up  the  ground.     Without  delay  perform 

These  duties  :    I  one  task  to  you  most  irksome 

Have  rendered  needless  :  for  I  lav'd  the  body. 

And  cleans'd  the  wounds  as  o'er  Scamander's  stieam 

1  pass'd.     But  to  prepare  for  the  deceas'd 

A  tomb,  I  go,  that  with  united  toil 

rately  cited  by  Barnes,  and  tliat  the  accoiuits  of  ApoIIodorus  and  Eu- 
ripides are  by  no  means  irreconciloable,  as  the  former  only  «ays  that  Pe- 
leus, aided  by  Jason  and  the  two  Dioscorides  or  sons  of  Jupiter,  Castor 
artd  Pollux,  sacked  lolchos,  and  slew  Astydamia  the  Wife  of  Acastus : 
au  account  which  not  only  docs  not  contradict,  but  adds  fresh  probabi- 
lity to,  the  event  of  his  bt  ing  after\vards  stripped  of  his  kingdom  hj^ 
Acastus,  after  the  death  of  Achilles,  and  in  the  absence  of  Neoptolemns. 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  M9 

When  this  \Vie  have  accomplished,  they  may  steer 
Our  vessel  homeward.  \^Exit  talthybivs* 

HECUBA. 

Place  that  orbed  Shield 
Of  Hector  on  the  ground,   a  spectacle 
Most  piteous,  and  unwelcome  to  these  eyes. 
How,  O  ye  Greeks,  whose  abject  souls  bely 
Your  brave  atchievements,  trembling  at  a  child, 
Could  ye  commit  this  unexampled  murder. 
Lest  at  some  future  time  he  should  rebuild 
The  walls  of  Ilion  ?     Ye  inhuman  cowards  ! 
Our  ruin  from  that  fatal  hour  we  date 
When  Hector  with  unnumber'd  heroes  fell. 
But  having  sack'd  our  city,  and  destroyed 
Each  Phrygian  warrior,  feared  ye  such  an  infant  ? 
The  dastard  I  abhor  who  meanly  shrinks 
Thro'  groundless  panic. — O  for  ever  lov'd. 
By  what  a  piteous  fate  didst  thou  expire  ! 
Hadst  thou,  the  champion  of  thy  country,  died. 
In  riper  years,  when  married,  and  endued 
With  power  scarce  second  to  ih'  immortal  Gods, 
Thou  hadst  been  blest>  if  aught  on  earth  deserves 
The  name  of  bliss.     But  thou,  my  son,  beheld'st 
And  hadst  a  distant  knowledge  of  these  joys. 
Which  thou  didst  ne'er  experience  :  for  to  thee 
The  treasures  which  the  palaces  of  Troy 
Contained,  prov'd  useless.     O  unhappy  youth. 
How  wert  thou  hurl'd  from  thy  paternal  walls 
Rear'd  by  Apollo's  hand  ;  and  thro'  those  ringlets. 
Which  oft  thy  Mother  smoothed  and  kiss'd,  the  gore 
Bursts  from  thy  fractur'd  skull :  but  let  me  wave 
So  horrid  a  description.     O  ye  hands. 
How  in  your  fingers  do  ye  still  retaiil 
A  pleasing  sad  remembrance  of  your  Sire, 
Or  why  do  ye  lie  motionless  before  me  f 
Dear  mouth,  full  many  a  babbling  accent  wont 
To  utter,  art  thou  dos'd  by  death  ?  thy  voice 

.  •  •     •  * 

2  2 


340  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

Deceiv'd  me  erst,  when  clinging  to  these  garments 

^  O  Mother,"  oft  didst  thou  exclaim  ;  *'  the  hair 

'^  Shorn  from  my  brows  to  thee  I  will  devote,     . 

"  Lead  round  thy  tomb  my  comrades,  and  address 

^'  Thy  hovering  ghost  in  many  a  plaintive  strain.** 

Now  not  to  me,  alas  !  dost  thou  perform 

These  duteous  oflSces,  but  I,  bowM  down 

With  age,  an  exile,  of  my  children  reft, 

Must  bury  the  disfigured  corse  of  the6 

A  tender  infant.    These  unnumber'd  kisses, 

My  cares  in  nurturing  thee,  and  broken  sleep, 

Prov'd  fruitless.     What  inscription  can  the  bard 

Place  o'er  thy  sepulchre  ?     '^  The  Greeks  who  fear'd 

''  This  infant,  slew  him  I**    Such  an  epitaph 

Would  shame  them.    As  for  thee  who  hast  obtaiti'd 

Nought  of  thy  wealth  paternal,  yet  this  Shield  . 

In  which  thou  shak  be  buried  will  be  thine. 

O  brazen  orb,  which  erst  wert  wont  to  guard 

The  nei*vous  arm  of  Hector,  thou  hast  lost 

Thy  best  possessor ;  in  thy  concave  circle 

How  is  that  Hero's  shape  impressed;  it  bears 

Marks  of  that  sweat  which  dnop'd  from  Hector^s  brow, 

Wearied  with  toil,  when  'gainst  thy  edge  he  lean'd 

His  cheek.     Hence  carry,  to  adorn  the  corse, 

Whate'er  our  present  station  will  afford. 

For  such  the  fortunes  which  Jove  grants  us  now 

As  splendor  suits  not :  yet  accept  these  gifts 

Out  of  the  little  I  possess.     An  ideot 

Is  he,  who  thinking  himself  blest,  exults 

As  if  his  joys  were  stable  :  like  a  man 

Smitteh  With  frenzy,  changeful  Fortune  bounds 

Inconstant  in  her  course,  now  here  now  there, 

Nor  is  there  any  one  who  leads  a  life 

Of  bliss  uninterrupted; 

CHORUS. 

AUisr^ady: 
tor  from  the  Spoih  y6tt' iPhiyglati  Mfltrow  befcr 
Trappings  to  grace  the  dead. 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  341 

HECUBA. 

On  thee,  my  Son, 
Not  as  a  victor  who  with  rapid  steeds 
Didst  ever  reach  the  goal,  or  wing  the  shaft 
With  surer  aim,  an  exercise  rever'd 
By  each  unweai  ied  Phrygian  youth,  thy  grandame 
Places  these  ornaments  which  erst  were  thine : 
But  now  hath  Helen,  by  the  Gods  abhorr'd. 
Stripped  thee  of  all  thou  didst  possess,  and  caused  ' 
Thy  murder,  and  the  ruin  of  our  house. 

CHORUS* 

Alas !  thou  hast  transpierc'd  my  inmost  soul, 
O  thou,  whom  I  expected  to  have  seen 
Troy's  mighty  ruler. 

HECUBA. 

But  I  now  enwrap 
Thy  body  with  the  vest  thou  shonld'st  have  worn 
At  Hymen's  festive  rites,  in  wedlock  join'd 
With  Asia's  noblest  Princess.     But,  O  source 
Of  triumphs  numberless,  dear  shield  of  HectOF, 
Accept  these  laureat  wreaths :  for  tho'  by  death 
Thou  caiist  not  be  affected,  thoa  shalt  lie 
Join'd  with  this  corse  in  death  ;  since  thoa  deserv'sl 
More  honourable  treatment,  than  the  arms 
Of  crafty  and  malignant  Ithacus. 

CHORUa 

Thee,  much  lamented  youth,  shall  earth  receive. 
Now  groan,  thou  wretched  mother* 

HECUBA* 

Oh; 

CHORUS, 

Commeoo^ 
Those  wailings  which  are  uttered  o'er  the  dead* 

HECUBA. 
Ah  me! 

CHORUS. 

Alas !  too  grievous  are  (by  woea 
T!o  be  endur'd. 


342  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.       , 

HECUBA. 

These  fillets  o*er  thy  woundsi 
I  bind,  and  exercise  the  healing  art 
In  name  and  semblance  only,  but,  alas ! 
Not  in  reality.     Whatever  remains 
Unfinish*d,  'mid  the  shades  beneath,  to  thee 
With  tender  care  thy  Father  will  supply. 

CHORUS. 

Smite  with  thy  band  thy  miserable  head  • 
Till  it  resound.    Alas ! 

HECUBA. 

My  dearest  comrades. 

CHORUS. 

Speak  to  thy  friends;  O  Hecuba,   what  plaints 
Hast  thou  to  utter? 

HECUBA. 

Nought  but  woe  for  me 
Was  by  the  Gods  reserved ;  beyond  all  cities 
To  them  hath  Troy  been  odious.    We  in  vain 
Have  offer'd  sacrifice.     But  had  not  Jove 
O'erthrown  and  plung'd  us  in  the  shades  beneath. 
We  had  remain'd  obscure,  we  by  the  Muse 
Had  ne'er  been  sung,  nor  ever  furnish'd  themes 
To  future  Bards.     But  for  this  hapless  youth 
Go  and  prepare  a  grave ;  for  the  deceased 
Is  with  funereal  wreaths  already  crown'd  : 
Altho'  these  pomps,  I  deem,  are  to  the  dead 
Of  little  consequence ;   an  empty  pride 
They  in  the  living  serve  but  to  display, 

CHORUS. 

Thy  wretched  Mother  o«  thy  vital  thread 
Had  stretch'd  forth  mighty  hopes :  tho'  styl'd  most  happy 
From  tby  illustrious  birth,  thou  by  a  death 
Most  horrid  didst  expire. 

HECUBA. 

Ha,  who  are  these 
Whom  I  behold,  in  their  victorious  bands 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  •  343 

Waving  those  torches  o'er  the  roofs  of  Troy  ? 
E'en  now  o'er  Ilion  some  fresli  woes  impend. 

TALTHYBIUS,  HECUBA,  CHORUS. 

TALTHYBIUS. 

To  you  I  speak,  O  leaders  of  the  troops 
Who  are  ordained  to  burn  this  town  of  Priam, 
No  longer  in  your  hands  without  effect 
Reserve  those  blazing  torches:  but  hurl  flames 
On  this  devoted  city,  for  when  Troy 
Is  utterly  demolished,  we  shall  leave 
Its  hated  shores,  exulting.     But  to  you 

0  Phrygians,  I  the  same  behests  address ; 
When  the  shrill  trumpet  of  our  chiefs  resounds. 
Ye  to  the  Grecian  Navy  must  repair 

And  from  these  regions  siil.     But  as  for  thee, 
Thou  aged  and  most  miserable  Dame, 
Follow  their  steps  who  from  Ulysses  come, 
To  whom  thy  fate  consigns  thee  for  a  slave 
F^r  from  thy  country  in  a  foreign  land. 

HECUBA. 

Ah,  wretched  me!  this  surely  is  the  last, 
The  dire  completion  this,  of  all  my  woes. 

1  leave  njy  country  :  Ilion's  bulwarks  flame. 
Yet,  Odecrepid  feet,  with  painful  haste 
Bear  me  along,   that  I  may  bid  adieu 

To  my  unhappy  city.     Thou,  O  Troy, 

Distinguish'd  erst  among  Barbarian  tribes 

By  thy  superior  prowess,  soon  shuit  lose 

The  most  illustrious  name  thou  didst  acquire: 

Thee  will  the  flames  consume,  and  us  our  foes 

Drag  from  our  home  to  slavery.     O  ye  Gods ! 

Upon  the  Gods  yet  wherefore  should  I  call  ? 

For  when  we  erst  invoked  them  oft,  they  heard  not. 

Come  on,  and  let  us  rush  amid  the  flames: 

For  in  the  ruins  of  my  blazing  country 

Twill  be  to  me  most  glorious  to  expire. 


344  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

TALTHYBIUS. 

Thy  griefs,  O  wretched  woman,  make  thee  frantic. 
But  lead  her  hence,  neglect  not.     For  Ulysses 
Obtain'd  this  prize,  and  she  to  him  must  go. 

HECUBA. 
O  dread  Saturnjan  king,  from  whom  the  Pbrygiani 
Derive  their  origin,  dost  thou  behold 
Our  sufferings,  most  unworthy  of  the  race 
Of  Dardanus  ? 

CHORUS. 
He  surely  doth  behold : 
But  this  great  city,  city  now  no  more, 
Is  ruin'd :   nought  remains  of  Troy. 

HECUBA. 

The  blaze 
Of  11  ion  glares,   the  fire  hath*  caught  the  roofs. 
The  streets  of  Pergamus,  and  crashing  towers. 

CHORUS. 
As  the  light  smoak  on  rapid  wing  ascends 
To  heaven,  how  swiftly  vanishes  fallen  Troy  ! 
Torrents  of  flume  have  laid  the  palace  waste. 
And  o'er  its  summit  waves  the  hostile  spear. 

HECUBA. 

O  fostering  soil,  that  gave  my  children  birth. 

CHORUS. 

Alas!   alas! 

HECUBA. 

Yet  hear  nie,   O  my  sons, 
Your  Mother's  voice  distinguish. 

CHORUS. 

With  loud  plaints 
Thou  call'st  upon  the  dead,  those  aged  limbs 
Stretcht  on  the  ground,  and  scraping  up  the  dust 
With  either  hand.     I  follow  thy  example 
Kneeling  on  earth's  cold  bosom,  and  invoke 
My  wretched  husband  in  the  shades  beneath. 

HECUBA. 

We  forcibly  are  borne — 


THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES.  S4i 

CHORUS. 

Most  doleful  sound  i 

HECUBA, 

To  servile  roofs. 

CHORpS, 

From  my  dear  native  land. 

HECUBA. 

(18)  Slain^  uninterr*d,  abandoned  by  thy  friends^ 
Thou  sure,  O  Priam,  know'st  not  what  I  suffer. 
For  sable  Death  hath  clos'd  thine  eyes  for  ever ; 
Tho'  pious,  thou  by  impious  hands  wert  murder'd. 
O  ye  polluted  temples  of  the  Gods, 
And  thou  my  dearest  city, 

CHORUS. 
Ye,  alas. 
Are  by  the  deadly  flame  and  pointed  spear 
Now  occupied,  on  this  beloved  soil 
Soon  shall  you  lie  a  heap  of  nameless  ruins: 
For  dust,  which  mix'd  with  smoak,  to  Heaven  ascends. 
No  longer  will  permit  me  to  discern 
Where  erst  my  habitation  stood :  the  land 
Loses  its  very  name,  and  each  memorial 
Of  pristine  grandeur ;   wretched  Troy's  no  more. 

HECUBA. 
Ye  know  the  fatal  truth,  ye  heard  the  crash 

(18)  Virgil  in  the  like  manner  represents  the  body  of  the  unfortunate 
Priam  as  deprived  of  funereal  rites,  and  left  exposed  on  the  strand  by 
the  victorious  Greeks : 

Jacet  ingens  littore  tnincus, 
Avulsumque  hnmeris  caput  &  sine  nomine  corpus. 

*'  On  the  bleak  shore  now  lies  th'  abandon*d  King, 

^'  A  headless  carcass,  and  a  nameless  tiling.''  DaTdem. 

The  latter  part  of  the  description  is  conformable  to  the  account  given  by 
Quintus  Calaber,  who  represents  the  head  of  Priam  as  severed  from  his 
body  by  Neoptolemns  with  as  much  ease  as  the  reaper  cuts  an  ear  of  ripe 
com  :  tlie  circumstance  of  Priam's  being  left  without  a  fanere^  py*'e, 
while  Troy  was  burning,  flamm&  indiget  ardente  Troj^,  is  also  recorded 
by  Seneea  with  his  usual  quaintne£«» 


S46  THE  TROJAN  CAPTIVES. 

Of  falling  towers.     Our  city  to  its  basis 

Is  shaken.    O  ye  tremblings  trembling  limbs^ 

Support  my  sleps. 

TALTHYBIUS. 
Depart  to  end  thy  days 
In  servitude.    Alas!  thou  wretched  citv  ! 
Yet  to  the  navy  of  the  Greeks  proceed. 


THE  BACCHANALIANS, 


Pas  pervicaces  e?t  mihi  Tbj-adas, 
Vinique  fonteni,  lactis  et  uberes 
Cantare  rivos,  atque  tnincls 
Lapsa  cavis  iterare  meila; 

—  Tectaqiie  Penthei 
Disjecta  nou  levi  niina. 


HoR« 


•  •  • 


_       • 


PERSONS  OF  THE  DRAMA. 


BACCHUS. 

PENTIIEUS. 

CHORUS  OF  BACCHANALIAN  WOMEN* 

SERVANT. 

TIRESIAS. 

CADMUS. 

MESSENGER. 

ANOTHER  MESSENGER. 

AGjVVE. 

SCENE— BEFORE  THE  PALACE  OF  PENTHEUS  AT 

THEBES. 


THE  BACCHANALIANS. 


BACCHUS. 

1  HIS  Theban  land,  I  Bacdius  Son  of  Jove 

Revisit :  I,  whom  Semele,  the  Daughter 

Of  Cadmus,  erst  amid  the  lightning's  blaze 

Brought  forth.     But  for  a  human  form  exchanging 

That  of  the  God,  I  to  my  native  fount 

Of  Dirc^  and  Ismenos'  waters  come. 

And,  of  my  Mother  whom  the  thunder  smote, 

Behold  the  tomb,  close  to  her  ruin'd  house, 

Where  th*  onextinguishable  flame  from  Heaven 

Yet  blazes,  a  memorial  of  the  hate 

Which  Juno  to  her  hapless  rival  bore. 

My  praise  on  Cadmus  f  bestow,  who  rear'd 

A  temple  to  his  Daughter  on  this  spot 

Which  no  unhallow'd  feet  invade:  its  walls 

I  with  the  blushing  fruitage  of  the  vine 

Have  skreen*d  around.     But  now  from  Lydia's  fieldi 

With  gold  abounding^  from  the  Phrygian  realm. 

And  that  of  Persia  scorch'd  by  torrid  suns. 

Passing  thro'  Bactrian  gates,  the  frozen  land 

Of  Media,  and  thro'  Araby  the  blest. 

With  Asia's  wide-extended  continent 

Reaching  to  ocean's  briny  verge,  where  Greeks 

Are  intermingled  with  Barbarian  tribes 

In  many  a  fortress,  and  welUpeopled  town 

(I)  Where  I  have  led  the  choral  dance,  and  'stablish'd 

My  rites:  to  manifest  my  power  divide 

Among  mankind  I  come  to  this  the  first 

(1)  I  have  here  placed  x^'mm  x^S^'"^  ^*  ^'^  ^^  foilowiog  line, 
before  Etp  vrvii  &c.  on  the  aathotity  of  Pierson's  Verisimilia :  this  trans- 
podtion  is  also  recommended  by  Dr.  M usgnive  \n  his  note,  and  followed 
la  his  version. 


i)50 


THE  BACCHANALIANS. 


Of  the  Hellenian  cities;  here,  in  Thebes 

First  have  I  loudly  shouted,  first  have  worn 

The  hidejj  of  slaughtered  stags,  and  in  their  hands 

Bade  my  intrepid  votaries  wield  the  spear 

With  ivy  bound,  the  thyrsus.     For  the  Sisters 

Of  my  own  Mother,  whom  it  least  became. 

Pretend  that  Bacchus  never  sprung  from  Jove, 

But  by  a  human  paramour  seduc'd. 

That  Semele  unjustly  charged  the  God 

A\^ith  h'er  transgression,  Cadmus  having  fram'd 

Such  stratagem :  hence  falsly  they  assert 

She  for  this  boast  was  by  the  Thunderer  stain. 

1  therefore  have  expelled  them  from  their  homes; 

With  frenzy  smitten,  on  yon  mount  they  dwell. 

Now  destitute  of  reason;  I  constrain'd  them 

T*  assume  the  habit  in  my  orgies  worn. 

And  every  woman  of  the  seed  of  Cadmus, 

Fir'd  with  tlie  same  delirium,  I  drove  forth 

From  her  abode ;  they  with  the  Theban  youths 

Sit  intermingled  on  the  lofty  rocks 

Beneath  yon  verdant  pines.     Yet  must  this  city,' 

Tho*  loth,  be  taught  at  length  that  to  my  rites 

She  still  remains  a  stranger,  that  I  plead 

My  Mother's  cause,  and  to  mankind  appear 

A  God,  by  Jove  begotten.     But  his  throne. 

And  rank,  hath  Cadmus  yielded  up  to  Pentheus, 

His  Daughter's  Son,  who  wages  impious  war 

With  me,  from  his  hbations  who  repels  me. 

Nor  e'er  makes  mention  of  me  in  his  prayers. 

To  him  I  therefore,  and  to  every  Theban 

Will  shew  myself  a  God :  all  matters  here 

Well  settled,  then  to  some  fresh  land  remove: 

But  if  the  Theban  city  in  its  wrath 

With  arms  would  from  the  mount  my  votaries  drive^ 

Myself  will  lead  the  Maenades  to  battle : 

I  for  this  cause  assume  a  mortal  form. 

And  have  cast  off  the  semblance  of  a  Goc|^- 


THE  BACCHANALIANS.  351 

But,  O  ye  generous  Dames,  who  to  frequent 

My  orgies  came  from  Lydian  Tmolus'  height. 

By  me  selected  from  Barbarian  tribes 

My  faithful  comrades,  hither  bring  those  timbrels 

Whose  well-known  sound  pervades  the  Phrygian  realm. 

By  Rhea,  holy  Mother,  and  by  me 

Invented,  and  around  the  regal  dome 

Of  Pentheus  marching,  beat  them  loud,  that  Thebes 

May  all  come  forth  and  your  procession  view. 

But  with  my  followers  to  Cithaeron's  top 

Will  I  ascend,  and  view  their  choral  rites. 

[Exit  BACCHUS^ 

CHORUS. . 
Leaving  the  realms  of  Asia,  and  the  mount 
Of  sacred  Tmolus,  most  delightful  toil. 
Pleasing  fatigue,  I  lead  the  dance  prescribed 
By  Bromius,  and  attune  my  voice  to  chaunt  . 
The  praises  of  our  God.     But  who  obstructs 
My  path,  or  who  at  yonder  portals  stands? 
Avaunt,.  and  utter  no  unhallow'd  sounds: 
For  as  our  solemn  usages  ordain 
Will  I  to  Bacchus  ever  wake  the  song. 

ODE. 

L     J. 
Acquainted  with  Heaven's  mystic  rites. 
How  blest  is  he  who,  purg'd  from  every  stain. 
Glows  with  religious  ardour,  and  delights 
To  haunt  the  mountains  with  our  duteous  train  ^ 
Who  to  the  mighty  Mother,  yields,^ 
To  Cybele's  dread  orgies,  honour  due. 
And  to  Bacchus'  worship  true. 
With  ivy  crown'd,  a  thyrsus  wields^ 
Away  ye  votaries  of  the  God, 
And  hither  lead  the  Son  of  Jove, 
Who  Phrygians  pathless  mountains  long  hath  trod ; 
Mid  spacious  Grecian  streets  with  transport  shall  he  rove. 


352  THE  BACCHANALIANS. 

I.    2. 
When  Sudden  throes  her  entrails  tore. 
As  wing'd  from  Heaven  the  rapid  hghtnings  came, 
^he  Mother  an  abortive  infant  bore. 
And  died  o'ercome  by  that  celestial  flame : 

But  Jove,  in  such  distressful  state. 
Did  for  his  Son  another  womb  supply. 

And  safe  within  his  fostering  thigh 
Conceal  him  from  Saturn ia's  hate  : 
At  length  the  horned  God  he  bore. 
Formed  by  the  Fates  with  plastic  care ; 
Who  on  his  head  a  wreath  of  serpents  wore, 
The  Maenad es  hence  twine  the  spoils  around  their  hair. 

11.     I. 
Fresh  ivied  Garlands  shall  be  thine; 
O  Thebes,  where  lovely  Semele  was  born: 
Convolvulus  with  pliant  shoots  entwine. 
Wield  in  your  revelry  the  branches  torn 

From  lofty  oa^c,  or  verdant  pine, 
And  of  the  hides- of  Stags  a  vestment  wear 
Conspicuous  with  its  spotted  hair. 
The  celebrate  the  rites  divine 
Now  arm  yourselves  with  sportive  wand  : 
E'en  things  inanimate  shall  dance. 
With  Bromius,  o'er  yon  mount,  the  female  band. 
Their  looms,  their  shuttles,  left,  in  frantic  guise  advance. 

II.     ^ 
O  ye  Curetes,  sacred  race 
Of  happy  Crete,  where  Jove  himself  was  born. 
And  Corybantes,  with  terrific  grace 
On  whose  bright  helms  three  nodding  crests  are  worn ; 
To  your  inventive  skill  we  owe 
The  timbrel,  to  attemper  whose  harsh  sound 
Soft  breath'd  the  Phrygian  pipes  around. 
On  Rhea  first  did  ye  bestow 
That  present,  which  the  frantic  crew 


THE:.BACCHANALUNS.  S5S 

Of  (3)  Satyra,  from  th'  immortal  Dame 
Obtained  :  to  the  triennial  feasts  it  drew 
A  numerous  groupe  at  lengtb/amidst  whoseloud  acclaim 

HL 

Pleas'd  on  some  mountaia  Bacchus  stands, 
Oft  as  some  votary,  from  his  agile  bands, 
In  the  Stag's  hide  array 'd,  with  headlong  speed 

From  its  summit  to  the  mead 
Descending,  quaffs  the. wild  goat's  spouting  gore, 

Eager  on  crude  flesh  to  prey. 
And  to  the  Lydian  hills  pursues'his  way: 
With  Evoe,  Evoe  sounds  each  mountain  hoar : 
Bromius  himself  conducts  the  festive  band  : 

Rills  of  Btiilk,  and  rills  of  fwine. 

Moisten  the  enchanted  land  ; 
For  him  the  bee's  nectareous  treasures  stream, 
And  Syrian  frankincense  perfumes  his  shrine. 

The  God,  who  lifts  a  blazing  pine, 
Swift  rushes  on,  and  scattering  wide  its  gleam 
Excites  the  loiterers,  in  their  mid-career 

His  voice  pervades  tbetr  ear, 
While  wanton  in  the  gale  his> tresses  bright: 

Inspiring  thus  their  festive  strain, 

He  cries,  **  Advance,  O  duteous  train, 
'^  My  praise  to  hymn  on  Tmolus*  golden  height, 
'*  With  loud-mouth*d  drum,  and  Phrygian  shout,  , 
*'  Record  great  Evan  your  victorious  God, 
'^  Wheree'er  th^  pipe  invites  your  giddy  roi|t 

'^  To  sports  in  my  belov'd  abode, 
^^  Such  sports  as  suits  the  Msenades,  who  climb 

(e)  «  These  two  verses,  hitherto  little  iiDde|»tood,  ought,  I  tuink^ 
^  to  be  rendered,  bvi  the  frantic  Saiyrs  obtained  ti  (L  e.  the  Timbre)) 
*^  from  the  Mother-Goddess*  For  the  Poet  is  giving  a  kind  of  history  of 
^  the  Timbrel :  its  invention  was  due  to  the  Curetes  and  Gorybantes, 
''  by  whom  it  was  delivered  into  the  hsads  of  M[otlier  Rhea,  and  ob- 
<<  tained  from  her  by  the  Satyrs,  wl|o  united  it  to  the  triennial  dances 
^  with  which  Bacchus  is  delighted." 

Heath,  not.  Trag.  Vet.  p.  108,  Oxon.  1762. 

VOL.   II,  A  A 


354  THE  BACCHANALIANS. 

''  With  fearless  step  the  ridge  sublime/* 
Like  the  young  colt,  with  consicious  pride 
Who  gambols  by  the  Mother's  side, 
Exulting  see  each  Nymph  advance 
To  join  the  Bacchanalian  dance. 

TIRESIAS,  CHORUS. 

TIRESIAS. 

Who  from  the  palace  gates  calls  Cadmus  forth, 
Agenor's  Son,  who  rear'd  these  Theban  walls 
After  he  fled  from  Sidon's  coast  ?  go,  say 
Tiresias  seeks  him,  he  my  errand  knows. 
And  our  agreement;  hoary  veterans  both. 
To  bear  the  sacred  thyrsus,  and  array'd 
In  dappled  hides  of  stags,  around  our  heads 
The  flaunting  ivy  bind.  -; 

CADMUS,  TIRESIAS,  CHORUS. 

CADMUS. 

My  dearest  friend, 
What  joy  inspir'd  me,  when  each  sapient  wonl 
That  flows  from  thy  instructive  tongue,  I  heard 
Within  the  palace :  but  I  come  prepared, 
Invested  with  the  ensigns  of  the  God. 
For  it  behoves  us,  with  our  utmost  might 
To  raise  the  glories  of  my  Daughter's  Son, 
Illustrious  Bacchus,  who  to  mortal  eyes 
A  potent  God  displays  himself.     O  where 
Shall  we  begin,  or  where  conclude  the  dance, 
Shaking  our  hoary  locks?  conduct  the  steps. 
Aged  Tiresias,  of  thy  aged  friend  : 
For  thou  art  wise ;  and  1/  by  night,  by  day 
Unwearied,  with  my  thyrsus  am  resolv'd 
To  smite  the  ground,  tho'  sports  like  these  our  age 
Has  caus*d  us  to  forget. 

TIRESIAS. 

You  sympathise 


THE  BACCHANALIANS.  355 

With  me,  for  I  too  am  grown  youi^g  again> 
And  in  tfae  dance  will  join. 

CADMUS. 
We  in  our  chariots 
Will  therefore  mount  the  hiJl. 

TIRESIAS, 

This  might  be  deem'd 
An  insufficient  homage  to  the  God. 

CADMUS. 
Old  as  I  am,  O  veteran,  like  a  child 
Thee  will  I  guide. 

TIRE3IAS. 
Superfluous  are  our  toils, 
For  to  Cithaeron  will  the  God  himself 
Conduct  us. 

CADMUS. 

But  shall  we  alone,  of  all    * 

The  Theban  citizens,  to  Bacchus  lead 

* 

The  festive  dance  ? 

TIRESIAS. 

Because  ourselves  alone 
Are  truly  wise,  but  others  judge  amiss. 

CADMUS. 

TTwill  be  a  tedious  march  :  but  take  my  hand. 

TIRESIAS. 
O  clasp  yours*  fast  in  mine. 

CADMUS, 

I  am  a  man 
And  hence  presume  not  to  despise  the  Gods. 

TIRESIAS. 

Into  the  nature  of  th'  immortal  Powers 
I  search  not  too  minutely.    Those  traditions 
Which  from  our  Sires  descended,  and  which  long 
We  have  preserv'd,  coeval  with  our  birth. 
By  no  insidious  reasoning,  no  device 
Of  sophisters,  can  ever  be  o'erthrown. 
Some  will  allege,  I  use  not  the  discretion 

A   A    ^ 


356  THE  BACCHANALIANS. 

My  age  require,  when  I  resolve  to  dante. 
And  with  a  wreath  of  ivy  crown  my  brows* 
Whether  tlie  vounii:  or  old  should  lead  his  choir 
The  God  hath  noi  dcfin*d^   but  claims  from  all 
A  public  homage,    tho'  to  him  no  joy 
Mere  numbers  by  their  worship  can  afford. 

CADMUS. 

Since,   O  Tiresias^   thou  these  solar  beams 
Behold'st  not,  by  my  words  will  I  to  thee 
Perform  the  faithful  office  of  a  Seer. 
Pentheus  with  speed  toward  the  palace  eoni^^ 
Echion's  son,   to  whom  I  have  surrendered 
The  empire  of  this  land.     How  is  he  smitten 
With  wonder !  what  fresh  tidings  caa  be  bring  ? 

PENTHEUS,  CADMUS,  TIRESIAS,  CHORUS, 

PENTHEUS. 

Having  awhile  been  absent  from  the  realfn^ 
On  my  return  I  hear,  that  by  fresh  evils 
This  city  is  infested,   and  their  homes 
Our  women  have  deserted,  on  pretence 
That  they  in  mystic  orgies  are  engaged ; 
On  the  umbrageous  hills  they  chant  the  praise 
Of  this  new  God,  whoe'er  he  be,  this  Bacchus; 
Him  in  their  dances  they  revere,  and  place 
Amid  their  ranks  huge  goblets  fraught  with  wihe : 
Some  fly  to  pathless  deserts,  where  they  meet 
Their  paramours,  while  they  in  outward  shew 
Are  Ma?nades  by  holy  rites  engrossed. 
Yet  Venus  more  than  Bacchus  they  revere. 
Binding  their  hands,   as  many  as  I  caught. 
My  servants  in  the  public  prisons  hold : 
But  o'er  the  craggy  mountains  will  I  chase 
All  who  escap'd,    both  Ino  and  Agave 
Who  to  Echion  bore  me,  with  Autonoe 
Actaeon's  mother ;  them  in  galling  chains 
Will  I  secure,  and  force  them  to  desist  "* 


THE  BACCHANALIANS.  357 

From  lh€6€  accursed  Bacchanalian  rites. 

J3ut  they  inform  me  that  a  stranger,  vers'd 

In  fraud  and  vile  enchaBtments^  is  arriv'd 

From  Lydin,  grac'd  with  auburn  tresses,  wreaih'd 

In  wavy  ringlets,  his  complexion's  ruddy, 

And  in  his  animated  eyes  are  lodg'd 

All  Cytherea's  graces,  he,   by  day,     '    . 

By  night,   holds  converse  with  our  blooming  maids. 

Pretending  to  instruct  them  in  the  rites 

Of  Bacchus.     But  if  once  within  these,  walls 

1  seize  him,  he  no  more  shall  brandish  wide 

His  thyrsus,  or  those  auburn  ringlets  wave. 

For  I  that  head  will  sever  from  his  trunk. 

He  says  that  Bacchus  is  a  God,  pretends 

That  erst  he  in  the  fostering  thigh  of  Jove 

Was  lodg'd  secure,  tho'  by  Heaven's  flaming  bolts 

He  with  bis  guilty  Mother  was  consam'd. 

Because  with  lying  tongue  she  sty  I'd  hei-self 

The  Thunderer's  bride.     Doih  not  the  arrogance 

Of  this  vain  stranger,  whosoe'er  he  be. 

Merit  severe  and  exemplary  vengeance? 

But  lo,  another  miracle !  I  view 

The  seer  Tiresias,  in  the  dappled  hides  ■ 

Of  stags,  (O  most  ridiculous  !)  arrayed 

Attended  by  my  Mother's  hoai*y  Father, 

Who  brandishes  a  wand  in  frantic  guise. 

Tis  with  disgust,  my  Gr^ndshe,  that  these  eyej 

Behold  your  venerable  age  devoid 

Of  understanding.     Why  refuse  to  cast  ' 

That  ivy-wreath  away,  or  why  still  holds 

Your  hand  the  thyrsus  ?  was  it,  O  Tiresias, 

Thro*  thy  persuasion  ?  would'st  thou  h^ve  him  too. 

Busied  in  introducing  to  mankind 

This  upstart  God>  observe  the  winged  tribes 

That  skim  the  air,  or  from  the  blazing  shrine 

Derive  a  gainful  trade  ?  Unless  grey  hairs 

"Had  pleaded  thy  excuse,  thou  should'st  sit  chained 


358  THE  BACCHANALIANS. 

Amid  yon  Bacchanalians.     For  when  women 
I    Share  at  their  feasts  the  grape's  bewitching  juice  j 
From  their  licentious  orgies,  I  pronounce^ 
No  good  results, 

CHORUS. 

Ye  violated  rites 
Ordain'd  by  Heaven  !   O  stranger,  for  the  Grods 
Hast  thou  no  reverence,  or  for  mighty  Cadmus^ 
Who  erst  that  crop  of  earth-born  warriors  sow'd  ? 
Son  of  Echion,  dost  thou  shame  thy  race  i 

TIRESIAS.     . 

'\     When  the  wise  man  hath  found  a  specious  topic 
;  On  which  to  argue,  he  with  ease  may  frame 
■  An  eloquent  harangue.     Your  tongue  indeed 
S  Is  voluble  like  theirs  who  reason  well, 
(^  But  in  your  language  no  discretion  reigns.- 
^^  He  who  posseses  courage,  sovereign  power. 
And  fluency  of  speech,   if  not  endued 
With  wisdom,   is  an  evil  citizen. 
I  have  not  words  t*  express  how  this  new  God    : 
Whom  you  deride,  thro*  Greece  shall  be  rever'd. 
The  two  chief  rulers  of  this  nether  world, 
Proud  boy,  are  Ceres,  Goddess  most  benign, 
Or  Earth,  (distinguish  her  by  either  nam^) 
Who  nourishes  mankind  with  solid  food : 
Yet  hath  the  son  of  Semele  discovered. 
And  introduc'd,  the  grape's  delicious  draught. 
Which  vies  with  her,  which  causes  every  grief 
To  cease  among  the  wretched  tribes  of  men. 
With  the  enlivening  beverage  of  the  vine 
Whenever  they  are  fiU'd  ;    he  al^o  gives 
Sleep,  sweet  oblivion  to  our  daily  cares. 
Than  which  no  medicine  is  with  greater  power ' 
Endued  to  heal  our  anguish.    Tho'  a  God,  ^ 

He  in  libations  to  th'  immortal  powers 
Is  oft  pour'd  fortlv-that  men  thro'  him  may  gain 
Unnumber'd  benefits.     But  you  deride  him. 


THE  BACCHANALIANS.  359 

Because  he  erst  was  in  the  thigh  of  Jove 

Enclos'd  :   to  you  I  fully  will  expound 

This  noble  mystery.     From  the  lightning's  blaze 

When  Jove  had  snatch'd  and  to  Olympus  borne 

The  tender  infant,  Juno  from  the  realms 

Of  Heaven  would  have  expelled  him.   But  Jove  fram'd 

This  stratagem  to  thwart  her  ;  having  broken 

A  portion  of  that  Ether  which  enwraps 

The  world,   he  plac'd  him  there,  surrendering  up 

Young  Bacchus  for  an  hostage,  to  appease 

The  wrath  of  Juno; -whence,  in  after-time?, 

.Deluded  mortals  ^aid  he  in  the  thigh 

Of  Jove  was  nourish'd^  and  by  thus  omitting 

(3)  One  single  letter,  the  tradition  forg'd. 

This  God  too  is  a  mighty  Seer,  the  transporjbs, 

And  Bacchanalian  frenzy  he  inspire?, 

With  a  prophetic  energy  abound ; 

For  when  he  enters  with  resistles3  force 

The  human  frame,   h^  prompts  his  madding  votaries 

To  speak  of  things  hereafter,  and  assumes, 

In  some  degree,  the  character  pf  Mars  (4) 

(3)  Substituting  finpo;,  ifi^hich  signifies  '^  thi^,''  for  ofA^  *'  hostage."* 
Many  antient  Greek  Mniters  call  Jimo  '<  the  Air,**  insomuch  that,- Hgai 
0  ocg  is  a  definition  to  be  met  with  in  Suidas,  and  several  other  Lexico- 
graphers ;  and  hence  Bacchus*  being  lodged  in  the  Air  when  he  was  an 
infant,  is  called  h|s  being  given  to  Juno  for  an  hostage :  But  Diodoms 
Siculus  imputes  the  origin  of  this  tradition  to  the  concealment  of  Bacchus 
in  a  mountain  of  India,  called  Meros,  overlooking  the  city  of  Nysa, 
which  boasted  of  having  that  God  for  its  ibunder. 

(4)  Nonnus  in  like  manner  draws  a  comparison  between  Bacchus  and 
Mars; 

Dionyss.  L.,18.  p.  504,  ed.  Lubin^ 

In  nought  to  Mars  inferior  thee  I  call; 
Great  'midst  th*  sons  of  Jove,  thou  viest  with  all : 
Not  Mars  with  more  success  his  spear  doth  wield 
Than  thon  thy  thyrsus  in  tfa*  embattled- field. 

Ttie  lime  Poe!^  mi  another  passage,  Yfladi  does  not  at  praseat  readily 


LI. 


360  THE  BACCHANALIANS. 

For  he  with  sudden  terror  smites  the* host. 
When  under  arms,  e*en  in  the  ranks  of  war, 
Before  a  lance  is  hurlM :  by  Bacchus  wrought 
Are  madness,  and  these  fears  :  an  Delphic  rockis 
May  you  behold  him  vaulting,  with  a  torch 
Smiting  the  cloven  summit  of  Parnassus, 
And  brandishing  the  Bacchanalian  branch  ; 
He  thro'  all  Greece  is  mighty.     But,  OPeDtheui^ 
To  my  persuasions  yield,  nor  idly  boaet 
Of  your  authority,  your  rank  supreme: 
Learn  to  suppress  the  fond  conceit,    nor  think 
That  you  are  wise.     But  in  this  land  receive    - 
The  God,  pour  forth  libations,  celebraite 
His  feasts,  and  on  your  brow  the  gadand  bind. 
For  Bacchus  drags  not  a  reluctant  t4^a4n 
Of  Females  to  th'  impure  delights  of  Venus: 
But  in  his  nature  still  doth  there  subsist 
An  inborn  modesty,  which  never  fails, 
}  To  this  we  should  look  well :  for  midst  the  rites 
A   I  Of  Bacchus,  no  contagion  can  infect 
f  The  bosoms  of  the  chaste.     Hath  this  escaped 
Your  notice  ?  You  rejoice,  when  crowds  beset 
The  gates,  and  Thebes  extolls  the  name  of  JPenthetis: 
He  too  delights  in  homage  I  presume. 
Myself,  and  Cadmus  whom  you  ridicaile. 
Will  therefore  wear  our  ivy  crowns,  and  dance. 
Both  grey  with  age,  yet  iTbehoves  us  both 
To  join  the  choral  dance,  nor  shall  your;  word$ 
Ui^e  me  towage  an  ineffectual  war 
Against  the  God.     For  with  inveterate  frenzy 
Are  you  possest,  no  magic  charms  can  beal 
A  malady  like  yours,  which  owes  its  rise 
To  some  enchantment. 

CHOKt'S. 

Aged  man,  thou  boldest 

occur  to  me,  describes  in  a  very  anirtirftiecl  straiii  the  wonderful  aud 
instmrtaneow  eflfiKis  of  a  PjU»c  teiTor  on  the  brtMMi  Mfaid.    • 


THE  BACCHANALIANS.  36f 

A  language  not  unworthy  of  ApoUo, 

And  wisely  pay'st  dwe  hotiours  to  young  BromiuSy 

That  mighty  God. 

CADMUg: 

Tiresias,  O  my  son. 
Hath  counseird  thee  aright:  with  us  reside. 
The  laws  forbid  not.     B(!it  from  us  thoa  fliest, 
Tho'  capable,  yet  destitute  of  wisdom. 
What  tho%  as  thou  averr'st,  this  Bacoh«s  prove 
At  length  no  God,  y^t  cati  him  one ;  the  ^shood 
Shall  do  thee  credit :  since  he  is  the  sod 
Of  Semele,  th*  opinion  that  she  bore 
A  Deity,  great  honour  #ill  reflect 
On 'us,  and  all  our  race.    Hast  thou  beheld 
Actaeon's  wretched  fate,  whom  in  the  woods. 
Trained  by  his  care,  the  ravenous  hounds  devoui^d. 
Because  he  idly  boasted  to  excel 
Diana  in  the  ciiase?  lest  thon  like  him 
Should'st  perish,  hither  come,  and  round  thy  head 
The  sacred  ivy  will  I  bind;  with  us 
Yield  homage  to  the  God, 

BENTHEUS. 

You  shall  not  touch  me; 
Go  celebrate  these  Bacchanalian  rites. 
Your  folly  is  cont^^ous^     On  the  wretch 
From  whom  you  learn  such  madness,  will  I  wreak 
A  vengeance  ju^  and  terrilidie.     Let  some 
Go  to  yon  chair  with  speed,  whence  he  observe* 
The  flight  of  birds,  o'exturn.  it  with  their  levers 
As  if  with  NepjEune's  trident,  in,  confusion 
Blend  all  his  ensigns  of  the  Soothsayer's  trade. 
And  to  the  winds  of  Heaven  disperse  his  Wireaths^ 
Hence  shall  I  sting  him  deeply:  but  let  others 
Range  thro'  the  city,  and  trace  out  the  steps 
Of  that  effeminate  stranger,  who  misleads 
Into  fresh  guilt  our  women,  and  defiles 
The  bridal  couch :  if  ye  the  miscreant  seize. 


SG^  THE  BACCHANALIANS. 

Bind  him  and  drag  him  hither^  to  be  ston'd 
As  he  deserves :  in  Thebes  shall  he  behold 
Most  inauspicious  Bacchanalian  rites. 

TIRESIAS. 
Unhappy  man^  you  know  not  what  you  say. 
You  certainly  are  frantic,  and  long  since 
Your  reason  has  been  wavering.     Let  us  go 
And  offer  up  our  prayers  for  him,  O  Cadmus, 
(Altho'  his  wrath  be  dreadful)  and  for  Thebes> 
Lest  signal  vengeance^  by  th*  offended  God^ 
Should  be  on  ail  inflicted.     With  your  staff 
Of  ivy  follow  me^  and  let  us  strive 
Each  other  to  support :  it  were  upseemly 
For  two  old  men  to  fall.     But  come  what  may. 
To  Bacchus^  son  of  Jove>  must  we  perform 
Our  duteous  service.    But  beware,  lest  Pentheos 
Bring  sorrow  to  your  house.     Not  as  a  Seer 
This  do  I  speak ;  but  by  experience  taught 
That  folly  issues  from  the  mouth  of  fooku 

[Exeunt  cadmys  and  T|Rb»ias* 

CHORUS. 

ODE. 
I.  1. 

« 

Religion^  O  thou  venerable  Queen^ 
Borne  on  thy  golden  pinions  thro'  the" world, 
Heard'st  thou  that  foul  reproach. 
By  the  blaspheming  Pentheus  cast 
On  Bromius^  Semele^s  illustrious  son. 
Who  crown'd  with  vernal  garlands^  at  the  board 
Where  genial  mirth  presides,  is  most  rever'd 
Of  all  the  blest  immortal  powers  ? 
His  offices  are  these ;  to  dance^ 
To  hear  the  pipe's  sweet  sounds  with  joy, 
Tq  bid  care  cease,  when  the  grape's  clusters 
Are  introduced  among  the  Gods, 
And  foaming  bowls,  with  ivy  tendrills  wreath'd^ 
Cause  the  gay  feast  to  close  in  lenient  sleep. 


THE  BACCHANALIANS.  363 

I.  2. 
To  certain  misery,  the  unbridled  tongue. 
And  frenzy's  lawless  rage,  at  length  must  lead ; 
But  a  pacific  life 
On  its  stable  basis  rests. 
And  Wisdom  is  the  pillar  of  a  throne. 
Distant  in  place,  from  Ether's  lucid  fields 
The  Gods  look  down  on  mortals  here  below. 
That  science  which  beyond  the  scope 
Of  frail  humanity  aspires. 
Haunts  not  the  bosom  of  the  Sage. 
Short  is  life,  and  they  who  follow 
Ambition's  splendid  treacherous  lure 
Taste  not  the  blessings  of  the  present  hour: 
I  deem  their  conduct  frantic  and  unwise* 

n.  1. 

O  could  I  sail  to  Cyprus,  happy  isle 
Of  Venus,  whence  sweet  Loves  dispensed  to  man 
Sooth  every  anxious  breast ! 
And  Paphos,  where  with  hundred  mouths 
The  waves  of  ocean  fructify  the  plains, 
Tho*  never  aided  by  refreshing  showers  ; 
Or  to  the  Muses'  fair  Pierian  seat 
Olympus'  consecrated  vale, 
O  Bromius,  Bromius,  thither  lead 
Our  chosen  band,  thou  Power  Divine : 
In  those  realms  are  found  the  Graces^ 
There  inhabits  young  Desire, 
And  thete  exulting  Bacchus*  festive  train 
Their  sacred  orgies  are  allow'd  to  hold. 

IL  2. 

Our  Deity,  the  son  of  Jove,  delights 
In  banquets,  and  in  Peace,  the  source  of  wealth. 
And  nurse  of  blooming  youths  : 
Impartial  to*the  rich  and  poor. 
On  both  he  showers  unmingled  joys  of  wine :' 
Whoever  sternly  slights  the  profFer'd  boon^ 


364  THE  BACCHANALIANS. 

Foe  to  the  God,  rejects  a  bliss  which  lasts 
Thro'  leDgthen'd  days  and  happy  nights. 
'Tis  wisdom  to  restrain  oar  souli^ 
From  crediting  the  doctrines  taught 
By  men,  rashly  overweening. 
Whatever  with  imitbrm  consent. 
The  multitude  hath  practis'd  and  approved, 
As  an  unquestion'd  trath  will  I  proclaim. 

« 

SERVANTS  BuiNG   BACCHUS  boun^d, 
PENTHEUS,  CHORUS. 

SERVANT. 

We  come,  O  Pentheus,  having  seiz'd  the  prey. 
For  whom  thou  didst,  dispatch  us,  nor  in  vain 
Assaird  we,  for  we  found  the  «avage  tauie  : 
He  fled  not,  but  without  reluctance  yielded 
And  undismayed,  nor  did  those  riiddy  cheeks 
Change  their  complexion;  with  a  smile  he  bade  u^ 
Bind  him  and  lead  him  on ;  his  firm  demeanor 
Extorted  my  respect :  then  sei^'d  with  shame 
I  cry'd ;  '^  O  stranger,  I  against  my  will 
*'  Convey  thee  hence  ;  but  I  am  sent  by  Pentheus, 
"  Who  thus  enjoin'd."  As  for  the  female  choir 
Of  Bacchus'  votaries,  whom,  when  caught,  by  chains 
Thou  in  the  public  prison  didst  confine, 
Escap'd  from  bondage,  thro'  the  sacred  groves 
They- in  wild  measures  lead  the  dance,  and  call 
On  Bromius,  on  the  God  whom  they  adore. 
Spontaneously  their  fetters  burst  asunder, 
Arid  massive  bars,  untouched  by  human  hand. 
Flew  from  the  doors.    To  Thebes  this  stranger  comes 
With  many  powers  miraculous  endued. 
But  'tis  thy  part  to  see  to  what  reniains. 

PENTHEUS. 

Hold  last  his  hands :  for  now  he  is  confined 
Amid  ilie  toils,  he  hath  not  speed  sufficient  : 
To  'scape  me.    The  mere  graces  of  thy  Ibrm 
Are  such,  O  «tranger>  as  may  well  ejatice  t    ♦' 


THE  BACCHANALIANS.  366 

Frail  women^s  hearts,  and  fur  this  causfe  thau  com^st. 

Unlike  a  wrestler's,  o'er  thy  cheeks  dishevel'd 

Stream  the  long  ringlets  of  thy  hair,  expressive 

Of  wantonness;  effeminately  white 

Is  thy  complexion  ;  the  sun's  parching  rays 

Avoiding,  by  thy  charms  in  shadowy  groves 

Thou  striv'st  love's  idle  dalliance  to  invite. 

But  first  inform  me  from  what  race  thou  spring'st. 

BACCHUS, 

No  empty  boast  I  utter,  but  with  ease 
Can  answer  this  enquiry.     Have  you  heard 
Of  Tmolus*  flowery  mount  ? 

PENTHEUS. 

I  know  it  circles 
The  walls  of  Sardis,  i 

BACCHUS. 

Thence  I  come :  my  country 
Is  Lydia. 

PENTHEUS. 

But  from  whence  dost  thou  impart 

These  rites  to  Greece  ? 

BACCHUS. 

By  Bacchus,  son  of  Jove^ 
Was  I  initiated. 

^       PENTHEUS. 
Is  there  a  Jove 
In  those  Barbaric  regions  who  begets 
New  Deities? 

BACCHUS. 

No :  but  'tis  he  who  here 
Took  forhis  Bride  the  beauteous  Semele. 

PENTHEUS. 

Was  it  by  night  or  in  the  face  of  day 
That  he  constrain'd  thee  to  adopt  his  worship? 

BACCHUS. 
By  hioi  was  I  discem'd,  him  too  I  saw 
Full  clearly,  when  to  me  thie  God  entrusted  .  , 


I       r 


366  THE  BACCHANALIANS. 

The  mystic  rites. 

PENTHEUS. 

But  of  these  mystic  rites 
What  is  the  nature  i 

BACCHUS. 

They  who  never  mingled 
In  Bacchus'  sacred  orgies  must  not  know. 

PENTHEUS. 

Avail  they  aught  to  those  who  at  his  altars 
Present  th'  ohiation  ? 

BACCHUS. 

Tho'  it  well  deserve 
All  your  researches,  this  you  must  not  hear. 

PENTHEUS. 

Thou  artfully  hast  vamp'd  up  this  deceit 
To  raise  my  curiosity. 

BACCHUS. 

The  rites 
Of  Bacchus  dwell  not  underneath  the  roof 
Of  bold  impiety. 

PENTHEUS. 
Since  thou  averr'st 
That  thou  full  clearly  hast  discern'd  the  God, 
Describe  his  person. 

BACCHUS. 

He  assum'd  what  form 
He  pleas'd,  nor  did  I  issue  my  commands. 

PENTHEUS. 

My  question  thou  full  dextrously  evad'st. 
And  mak'st  no  answer. 

BACCHUS. 

He  must  seem  devoid 
Of  reason,  who  mysterious  truths  unfolds 
To  those  who  lack  discretion. 

PENTHEUS. 

Cam'st  thou  first 
To  Thebes,  to  introduce  this  God } 


THE  BACCHANALIANS.  367 

BACCHUS. 

In  dance 
All  the  Barbarians  celebrate  our  orgies. 

PENTHEUS. 

Because  in  wisdom  tliey  are  far  beneath 
The  citizens  of  Greece. 

BACCHUS 

In  this  respect 
They  far  transcend :  but  different  are  their  laws. 

PENTHEUS. 

By  night  or  day  these  sacred  rites  perform'st  thou  ? 

BACCHUS. 

Mostly  by  nighty  for  venerable  is  darkness. 

PENTHEUS. 
To  women  this  is  treacherous  and  unsafe. 

BACCHUS. 
E'en  in  the  broadest  day  may  shame  be  found. 

PENTHEUS. 
Thou  for  thy  impious  sophistries  shalt  suffer 
Due  punishment. 

BACCHUS. 

For  indiscretion^  you, 
And  want  of  reverence  to  the  God. 

PENTHEUS. 

How  bold 
Is  Bacchus,  practis'd  in  the  strife  of  wofds! 

BACCHUS. 

What  shall  I  suffer,  say  what  dreadful  sentence 
On  me  wih  thou  inflict  ? 

PENTHEUS. 

!First  will  I  cut 
Thy  graceful  ringlets. 

BACCHUS. 

Sacred  are  these  locks, 
I  (5)  nourish  them  in  reverence  to  the  God. 

(5)  '^Virgil  has  translated  this  passage  in  the  nccount  of  Amata 
**  f>retending  to  devote  her  Daughter  Lavinia  to  Bacchus ; 


5S&  THE  BACCHANAUABfS. 

PENTHEUS. 

Then  let  thy  hands  surrender  up  the  thyrsus* 

^    BACCHUS. 
Take  it  away  thyself:  it  was  the  gift 
Of  Bacchus,  and  I  bear  it. 

PENTHEUS. 

In  a  dungeon 
Thee  will  I  guard. 

BACCHUS, 

Whene'er  I  please,  the  God^ 
The  God  himself,  will  instantly  release  me. 

PENTHEUS* 

When  'midst  his  frantic  votaries  thou  shalt  stand, 
And  call  upon  his  name. 

BACCHUS. 

E'en  now  the  God 
Is  present,   and  beholds  what  I  endure. 

PENTHEUS. 
Where  is  he  »  to  these  eyes  he  still  remains 
Invisible. 

BACCHUS. 
With  me  :  but  you  are  impious. 
And  cannot  see  him. 

PENTHEUS. 
Hold  him  fast ;  he  scorns 
Both  me  and  Thebes. 

<<  Quin  etiam  in  silvas  simulato  nuraine  Bacchi 

'^  Evolat,  et  natam  frondosis  montibus  abdit, 

**  Evoe  Bacche,  fremens,  solum  te  virgine  dignom 

*^  Vociferans.    Etenim  mplles  tibi  sumere  thyrsos, 

<<  Te  lusti-are  choro,  aacram  tibi  pa8cere  crinem,     JEiL  L  vii  ▼•  385* 

<<  Wandering  through  woods  and  wilds  and  devious  ways, 
<<  She  feign'd  the  rites  of  Bacchus,  cried  aloud 
'<  And  to  the  buxom  God  the  Virgin  Tow'd : 
«  Evoe,   O  Bacchus,  thus  began  the  song, 
^*  Apd  Evoe,  answered  all  the  female  throng. 
"  O  Virgin,  worthy  thee  alone  !*  she  cried ; 
"  O  wortliy  thee  alone !"  the  crew  replied : 
'^  For  thee  she  feeds  her  hair,  she  leads  thy  dance, 
^<  And  with  thy  wuiding  ivy  wreaths  her  lance.  Drydiem.* 

Brvnck. 


THE  BACCHANALIANS.  369 

BACCHUS. 

Stand  off^  and  bind  me  not : 
I  still  retain  my  reason^  and  say  this 
To  the  distracted. 

PENTHEUS. 
I  who  here  am  lord 
0*er  thee,  repeat  it,  that  thou  shall  b^  bouncl< 

BACCHUS. 

You  know  not  that  you  live,  you  neither  see 
Nor  recpllect  your  very  name. 

PENTHEUS. 

Tis  Pentheus ; 
Agave  and  Echion  were  my  parents. 

BACCHUS. 
Such  (6)  inauspicious  fortunes  as  that  name 
Prognosticates,  you  justly  have  descr/d. 

PENTHEUS. 

Go,  bind  him  to  the  manger  where  toy  steeds 
Are  fed,  that  darkness  may  his  prospects  bound. 
There  datwce :  but  I  for  slaves  will  sell  these  women 
Whom  thou  bring'st  hither,  partners  of  thy  crimes ; 
Or  from  the  rattling  drum  at  least  restrain 
Their  busy  hands,  and  make  them  ply  the  loom. 

{Exit  PEMTHlEUS. 
■      BACCHUS. 

I  will  retire:  F6r what  thefales  decree  noty    '     '  ' 
Necessity  constrains  us  not  t'endure. 
But  for  these  scoffs^  will  B&cchus,  whom  you'  eatl 
A  thing  of  nought,  on  yoiir  devoted  head 
Inflict  just  vengeance  r  for,  while  me  you  Wrong, 
Youdn^  ID  galling  ohniils,  the  captive  Odd. 

lExitixAccniis  gkttdtd. 

(6)  IntlieQieekIaiigiiiigew»0bc8igiiifie» '^Grief*^  At  tke  eondnieB 
of  the  dialogae  between  Cadmus  and  Tir^iaA  a  f&w  pages  before,  the 
litter  has  abeady  made  the  s^e'duuMiable  pirn  i  anil  Itieochtiia  l|a» 
debased  fab  i&k  Idylliiim  by  it,         ' 

«g  ^  WtAtfAm,  pki  «  mate  fXyl^w, 
VOL.  II«  B  B 


370  THE  BACCHANALIANS. 

CHORUS.. 

ODE. 

I. 

From  Achelous*  slimy  bed, 
O  lovely  Dirce,  who  deriv'st  thy  birth  ; 
When  first  Jove's  son  young  Bacchus grac*d  the  earth. 

Thy  streams  were  sprinkled  o^er  his  head. 
Th'  abortive  infant,  his  relenting  Sire 

Snatch'd  from  the  lightning's  livid  fire, 
And  shelter'd  in  his  thigh ; 
"  Let  this  male  womb  contain  thee/'  cried  aloud 
The  parent  God ;  ^'  till  to  Thebes'  wondering  crowd 
Thee  I  produce,  their  Deity, 
By  Dithyrambus'  name."    Our  solemn  rite. 
Yet  thou,  O  Dirce,  dost  conf(mnd. 
Regardless  of  our  train  with  garlands  crown'cl. 

Why  scorn  my  prayer  ?  what  means  thy  flij;ht  ? 
Obedient  to  young  Bromius'  nod. 
Soon  shall  thy  current  hail  the  jocund  God, 
Shaded  by  ripen'd  clusters  bright. 
And  vineyards  blushing  rich  delight. 

^  U.  / 

But  ah,  with  what  ungovern'd  rage 
Amidst  our  orgies  stalks  yon  earth-born  KtDg> 
Pentheus,  who  from  the  Dragon's  tifeth  did  spring 

The  prop  of  bold  Echiion's  agef 
No  human  feiatures  mark  that  savage  .face. 

He,  like  the  Giants'  bloody  race. 
Defies  th'  immortal  Powers. 
'Midst  Bromius'  votaries,  while  I  tread  the  pfain. 
Me  will  the  Tyrant  bind  with  galling  chain  ; 

The  partner  of  our  festive  hours 
Already  in  a  dungeon  he  detains. 

Secluded  from'  the  beams  of  day. 
O  Bacchus,  Son  of  Jove,  dost  thou  surrey 

The  Priest  who  chants  thy  hallow'd  strains 


THE  BACCHANALIANS.  S71 

Expos'd  to  Fate's  impending  scourge  I 
Descend  benign  from  steep  Olympus*  verge. 

Brandish  thy  thyrsus,  and  repress 

That  ruthless  miscreant's  wantonness. 

III. 

Lead'st  thou  the  votive  choir 
To  Nyssa*s  (7)  mount  where  savage  beasts  abound. 
On  steep  Corycian  summits  art  thou  found, 
Or  dost  thou  haunt  Olympus*  shadowy  cave. 

Where  Orpheus  erst,  with  magic  lyre. 
Collected  trees  that  listen 'd  to  his  strain. 
And  ]ur*d  the  howling  lion  from  the  plain  ? 

O  blest  Pierian  mount. 
Revering  thee,  ere  long  will  Bacchus  lead      * 
His  shouting  followers  to  the  Muses'  fount. 

And  crossing  Axius*  rapid  spring 

The  Maenades  to  (8)  Lydia  bring 
Streaming  with  joys  exhaustless  and  refin'd, 

Bounteous  parent  of  mankind. 

Whose  waters  glide  thro*  regions  fam'd       ^ 
For  coursers  which  outstrip  the  wind. 

(7)  The  epithet  ^^tippopo;  <<  nurse  of  wild  beasts^  seems  vto  be  here 
applied  to  the  mountain  Nyssa,  on  account  of  its  producing  the  Tigers 
by  which  Poets  and  Painters  concur  in  representing  the  chariot  of 
Bacchus  as  drawn,  ' 

Qui  pampineis  ykju^  Juga.  flectit  habenis 
Liber,  agens  celso  Nysae  de  vertice  Tigres. 

VitiGiL,  iEn«  1.  ▼i»~v.  804. 

Bacchus  turning  from  his  Indian  war, 

By  Tygers  drawn  triumphant  in  his  car^ 

Fron  Nisus'  top  descending  on  the  plains ; 

With  curling  vines  around  his  purple  reins.,  Drtdek. 

Mr.  Jodrdl  having  too  hastily  taken  t^e  last  of  the  above  lines  from 
Virgil,  detacli^;  calls  it  a  representation  of  the  God  pwmnnff  the 
Tigers  from  ftne.  lofty  eminence  of  Nysa. 

(8)  Heath  and  Dr.  Musgrave,  in  their  notes,  observe  that  tiie  Asia- 
tic Lydia  cannot  be  the  place  here  meant,  but  that: the  Poet  is  speaking 
of  a  river  called  Lydia,  mentioned  by  several  of  the  antient  historians 
and  geographical  writers,  which  constitutes  the  boundary  between  some 
part  of  BceolSa  and  MacedoL  V    ' 

BBS 


S72  THE  BACCHANALlANSi 

BA€X:HUS    (wiMn). 

Ho !  listen,  listen,  listen,  to  my  voice, 
Ye  Bacchanalian  Nympbs. 

CHORUS. 

Who's  there  ?  whence  C9ine 
The  sounds  of  Evius  which  thus  call  me  forth  I 

BAGGHUS    (wUhm). 

To  you  again  I  sptak,  e'en  I  the  Son 
Of  Semele  and  Jove. 

SEMICHORrS  I. 

Thou  mighty  Lord, 
O  Bromius,  Bromius,  join  our  votive  choir» 
How  horribly  the  ground  beneath  our  feet 
Shakes  !  venerable  God  !  ere  long  the  house 
Of  Pentheus  from  its  basis  shall  be  hnrVd. 
Refulgent  in  the  portals  Bacchus  stands,   ^ 
To  him  yield  duteous  worship. 

SEMICHORUS  n. 

We  obey. 
See  the  beams  starting  from  yon  marble  columtit^. 
Within  those  chaitibers  the  triumphant  shouts 
Of  Bromius  shall  be  heard. 

SEMICHORUS  I. 

Lights  light  the  torch. 
The  blazing  torch,  and  fire  the  house  of  Pentheus. 

SEMICHORUS  n. 

Behold'st  thou  not  the  rising  conflagration. 
And  on  the  sacred  tomb  of  Semele 
How  with  redoubled  force  those  embers  burn 
The  relics  of  Jove's  lightning?  on  the  glonitd 
Fall  prostrate,  O  ye  trembling  Msenades: 
For  Bacchus,  Son  of  Jove,  our  King,  inVlldes, 
And  levels  these  proud  mansions  with  the  ground. 

BACCHUS,  CHORUS. 

BACCHUS. 

What!  seiz'd  with  terror,  ye  Barbarian  damfi^ 


THE  BACCHANALIANS.  m 

On  earth  are  ye  fallen  prostrate  ?  ye  perceived. 
It  seems,  how  Bacchus  shook  the  house  of  Pentheus. 
Rise  ;  let  those  trembling  limbs  resume  their  office. 
And  lay  aside  your  fears. 

CHORUS. 
O  thou  who  pour'st 
A  splendour  o'er  our  Bacchanalian  rites. 
Thee  with  what  transport  I  again  behold! 
Forlorn  we  wail'd  thy  absence. 

BACX3HUS. 

By  despair 
Were  ye  encompassM ;   borne  to  Pentheus'  house 
When  I  y/fras  sentenced  to  the  gloomy  dungeon. 

CHORUS. 

What  could  I  feel  but  horror;  for  what  friend 
Had  I  if  thou  hadst  fail'd  ?  But  by  what  meant 
Wert  thou  deliver'd,  after  thou  hadst  faUen 
Into  the  hands  of  that  unrighteous  man  f 

BACCHUS. 

Myself  full  easily,  myself  set  free. 
And  with  no  toi\. 

CHORUS. 

Did  he  not  bind  thy  hands 
In  galling  chains? 

BACCHUS. 

Herein  too  I  his  rage 
Have  mock*d  :  for  while  he  thought  he  had  secur'd 
His  prisoner,  me  he  touch'd  not,  but  was  sooth 'd 
With  empty  hope  :  for  having  found  a  Bull 
In  the  lame  stall  to  which  they  had  con6n*d  me. 
The  beast's  tough  hoofs  he  shackled,  breathing  ire; 
Sweat  from  each  pore  distill'd,  and  with  his  t?eth 
He  gnaw'd  his  lips,  while  I  sat  near  at  hand 
An  unconcern'd  spectator  :  but  meantime 
Bacchus  on  his  arrival  shook  the  walls, 
And  kindled  on  his  Mother's  iiepulchre    . 
The  sleeping  embers,  which,  when  Pentheus  saw. 


S74  THE  BACCHANALIANS. 

He  thought  the  mansion  blaz'd,  and  ran  impetaant 
Now  here,  now  there,  commanding  his  attendants 
To  bring  all  (a)  Achelous  :  tp  no  purpose 
Did  every  servant  toil ;  but  he  the  flames 
Left  unextinguished,  and  on  a  surmise 
That  I  had  'scap'd,  into  the  palace  rush'd 
With  his  drawn  sword.    Then  Bromius  (I  describe 
Each  circumstance  as  it  to  me  appeared) 
Within  the  hall,  a  meteor  in  my  shape 
Composed,  which  the  distracted  Pentheus  smote. 
Wounding  the  air  as  if  he  had  transpierced 

(8)  The  river  Achelous  was  so  much  celebrated,  that  it  has  fir«- 
quenUy  been  made  use  of  to  signify  water  in  general,  as  in  YiigiTB 
Georgics, 

Cbaoniam  pingni  glandem  mutavit  aristi, 

Pocuhmae  inventis  Achdoia  miscuit  uvis* 

Which  Diyden  has  rendered 

"  Who  gave  us  com  for  mast,  for  water  wine." 

Wh^n  Hermione  makes  use  of  the  term  Ax^^^u^  ^s*^  in  the  Andro- 
mache, whUe  she  is  threatening  to  employ  that  untbrtnnate' Princess 
in  the  most  servile  offices,'!  have  concurred  *with  the  Latin transhi' 
tipn  in  rendering  it  simply  *' water"  because  I  was  apprehens9v<e  it 
might  sound  preposterous  to  an  E^nglish  reader  to  speak  of  the  small . 
quantity  of  water  carried  in  a  vessel  at  Phthia,  a  province  of  Thessaly, 
by  the  name  of  a  river  dividing  iEtolia  from  Acamania,  at  which  it  was 
impossible  it  could  have  been  filled.    But  where  the  frantic  Pentheus 
is  calling  for  whole  rivers  to  extinguish  a  conflagration,  the  gieography 
becomes  immaterial,  nor  are  we  bound  to  enquire  whether  the  scene^is 
near  their  banks ;   by  dropping  the  metaphor,  and  saying  only  ^  to 
bring  water,"  we  may  b^  tiiouglit  to  weaken  the  energy  of  the  originaL 
J  cannot  discover  saiy  otiier  reason  for  Dirce  being  called,  in  tiie  pre- 
ceding Ode,  the  Daughter  of  Achelous,  than  that  rivet's  being  con- 
sidered as  Didymus  (cited  by  Barnes)  styles  it,  in  the  light  of  the 
most   antient    of  all  others,   UorafMuv  vT^ttTQ/Ttv:!^.     Nonnns  calls  the 
fountain  Dirce,  the  Daughter  of  Ismenos,  a  river  near  Thebes,  often 
mentioned  in  conjunction   with  it  by   Euripides;   and   Boccace,  in 
his  Genealogia   Decorum   Gentilium,  speaks  of  Durce,  who,  betoe 
her  metamorphosis,  was  Wife  of  Lycus,  as  one  of  the  Daughtejv  of 
the  Sun.    In  regard  to  the  passage  referred  to  by   Barnes,  in  N«- 
talis   Comes,  a    writer  of  the  sixteenth  century,  it  affords    no  new 
light,  as  the  above-mentioned  passage  of  Euripides  is  the  sole  autho- 
rity he  produces  for  caUing  Durce  daughter  of  Achelous, 


THE  BACCHANAtlANS.  S75 

My  vitaU.     Bacchus  then  aflSicted  him 
With  greater  evils,  for  he  dash'd  the  roof 
Upon  the  ground,  and  the  whole  structure  broke 
Into  a  thousand  fragments,  while  he  view'd 
The  scene  of  my  captivity,  a  scene 
To  him  most  inauspicious :  thro'  fatigue 
His  sword  he  from  his  hand  let  fall^  and  droops 
Unnerv'd;  presumptuous  man,  who  with  a  God 
Hath  dar'd  to  wage  this  war.     But  undismayed 
I  from  these  doors  the  Bacchanalian  choir 
Conducting,  join  your  band,  nor  heed  the  wrath 
Of  Pentheus.     But  I  deem  he  soon  will  reach 
The  vestibule,  for  [his  sandals  hear 
Within  resounding.     After  these  events 
What  vehement  reproaches  will  he  utter  ? 
Yet  will  I  meet  him  calmly,  tho'  he  come 
Breathing  die    threats  :  for  it  behoves  the  wise 
Tq  curb  the  sallies  of  outrageous  ire, 

PENTHEUS,  BACCHUS,  CHORUS. 

PENTHEUS. 

-  Most  horrid  are  the  ills  I  have  endur'd : 
That  stranger,  whom  so  recently  I  bound. 
Hath  from  confinement  'scap'd.     But  ha!  'tis  he. 
What  prodigies  are  these  ?  How  com'st  thou  forth. 
How  dar'st  thou  to  appear  before  my  gates? 

BACCHUS. 

0  pause  awhile;  refrain  these  hasty  strides^ 
And  curb  that  vehemence  of  soul. 

PENTHEUS. 

How  earnest  thou 

Forth  from  thy  prison  ?  how  could'st  thou  shake  off 
Thy  fetters  i 

BACCHUS. 

Said  I  not,  or  did  these  words 
Escape  your  ears  ?  '*  A  God  shall  set  me  free/' 

PENTHEUS. 

1  know  not  what  thou  mean'st,  sUch  various  boasts 


376  THE  BAOGHANAliUNS. 

Flow  froin  that  tongue. , 

He  wbp  for  ma^  prio4M'd 

The  clusteripg  viae. 

PENTUEUS. 

^hpu  falsly  dost  9#86r( 
Thjat  B^pcljws  VjTPwglsit  this  ipirade. 

MCCRUS. 

Bar  fast 
The  massive  4ftor^  pf  ^ph  eficircling  tQiv«F. 

PBNTHEUS. 

Would  that  avail  me  ?  caanot  Qods  p-erlisap 
The.topmost  pinnacles? 

BA.CCHUS. 
la  qU  beside 
Are  you  full  wise,  except  in  that  gfeat  point  - 

Where  wisdoiQ  is  n^ost  needful.  ' 

PENTHEUS. 

I  am  vers'd 
In  each  essential  rule  of  a  sage  conduet. 

BACCHUS. 

First  then  to  yonder  Messenger  give  ear. 
And  learn  what  tidings  from  the  mount  he  briBgf ; 
Whil^  we  will  here  remain,  and  scorn  to  fly. 

MESSENGER,  PENTHEUS,  BACCHUS, 

CHORUS. 

MESSENGER. 

0  Pentheus,  monarch  of  this  Theban  realm, 
I,  from  Cithaeron's  summit,  am  arrived, 

ViY^  with  unwasted  heaps  of  whitest  snow. 

PENTHEUS. 

What  mighty  business  doth  this  speech  announce  I 

MESSENGER. 

1  saw  the  Bacchanalian  dames,  who,  urg'd 
By  frantic  transports,  issued  from  our  gates 
With  their  feet  bare.     My  Sovereign,  I  to  you 
Aad  to  this  otty,  wscmld  relate  the  deeds 


THE  BACCHANALIANS.  a77 

They  hftve  coaiiniUed,  which  are  fraught  with  horror 
And  most  miraculous ;  but  wish  to  bear 
Whether  I  freely  may  recount  what  happen'd, 
Or  should  abridge  the  tale :  for,  O  my  Lord, 
The  hasty  temper  of  your  soul>  that  rage 
And  aweful  mien  of  royalty  I  fear. 

PENTHEUS. 

Speak  out :  thou  sbalt  incur  no  punishment 
From  me,  to  whom  the  voice  of  honest  truth 
Conveys  no  hostile  sounds  :  but  in  proportion 
^  As  the  exploits  of  yonder  madding  crew; 
Which  thou  to  me  report'st«  are  more  atrociops. 
Severer  wrath  shall  overtake  the  miscreant. 
Who  to  our  women  taught  these  impious  rites» 

MESSENGER. 

Our  heifers  in  large  herds  the  mountain's  bronr 
Ascended,  as  the  sun  his  orient  beams 
Diffused  to  warm  earth's  surface,  there  I  saw 
Three  groups  pf  women  ;  o'er  the  first  Autonoe 
Presided,  o'er  the  next  your  royal  Mother 
Agave,  and  the  third  was  Ino's  band.  . 
Carelessly  stretcht  ppon  the  ground  all  slept, 
Some  for  their  pillow  chose  the  leaves  of  fir ; 
On  the  oak's  casual  foliage  spread  beneath 
While  others  decently  reclin'd  their  heads ; 
Nor  had  th'  intoxicating  bowl,  or  sound  " 
Of  the  shrill  pipe,  as  you  assert,  impeli'd  them 
To  wander  thro'  the  verdant  grove  in  quest 
Of  Venus' joys  impure.     But  standing  up  . 
Amidst  the  Bacchanalian  choir^  your.  Mother,        .  ^' 
To  wake  them  from  their  slnmbers,. loudly  shoAted 
Soon  as  the  bellowing  of  the  bufls  «he  heard. 
Then  casting  off  sweet  slmnber  from  their  eyef. 
With  wond'rous  seeming  modesty  they  rose, 
Young,  old,  the  virgin,  and  th'  unwedded  dame. 
Over  their  shoulders  first  their  sti-eaming  hair 
They  spread,  resuming  the  hind's  shaggy  bide  . 


878  THE  BACCHANALIANS. 

Which  loosely  floated^  by  no  zone  confin'd^ 

The  speckled  skins  of  serpents  round  their  knees 

Were  girt,  some  in  their  arms  bore  kids>  or  whelps 

Of  surly  wolves,  and  gave  them  suck,  at  home   - 

Leaving  their  new-born  children  ;  on  her  front 

Each  plac'd  a  vivid  garland  form'd  of  oak. 

Ivy,  or  flowers  of  wild  convolvulus: 

But  one  of  them  her  thyrsus  seiz'd^  and  smote 

The  solid  rock,  whence  gush'd  the  limpid  fount ; 

Another  plung'd  her  wand  into  the  ground. 

From  whence  the  bounteous  God  caus'd  streams  of  wint 

To  issue  forth,  while  they  who  wish'd  for  milk 

Thrusting  their  fingers  only  through  the  turf 

Found  lacteous  currents  follow  :  honey  dripp'd 

From  every  staff  with  pliant  ivy  bound. 

Had  you  been  there,  and  seen  these  prodigies. 

You,  to  that  Deity  whom  now  you  scorn. 

Had  yielded  homage.     We  together  met. 

Leaving  our  oxen  and  our  fleecy  charge. 

Among  each  other  a  debate  to  hold 

On  their  miraculous  and  strange  exploits. 

But  an  impostor,  who  in  cities  long 

Had  exercis'd  his  fluency  of  speech. 

Addressed  us  in  these  terms,  ^*  O  ye  who  dwell 

*'  Upon  this  hallow'd  mount,  are  ye  disposed 

'*  From  her  wild  orgies  forcibly  to  drag 

'^  Agave  Pentheus'  Mother,  and  perform 

^  An  acceptable  service  to  our  King  ?" 

His  words  approving,  we  behind  the  thicket 

In  ambush  placM  ourselves :  they  wildly  mov'd. 

Their  band  collecting  at  the  stated  hour 

To  celebrate  their  feasts,  with  a  loud  voice 

Invoking  Bacchus,  Bromius  Son  of  Jove  : 

The  savage  beasts,  the  very  mountain  shared 

Their  Bacchanalian  transports ;  where  they  trod 

All  nature  whirl'd  around.     But  near  me  leap'd 

Agave ;  starting  up,  I^  from  the  thicket 


THE  BACCHANALIANS.  ^79 

Where  I  lay  hid,  sprung  forth  and  ran  to  sei^  her. 

She  shriek'd  aloud  ;  "  O  ye  my  nimble  hounds, 

''  These  men  would  hunt  us  down ;  but  follow  me 

"  Each  with  her  thyrsus  arm'd/'     By  hasty  flight 

From  these  infuriate  Bacchanalian  dames 

We  ^scap'd  ;  but  they  our  grazing  herds  invaded, 

Tho'  in  their  hands  no  steely  weapon  gleam'd  : 

You  might  have  seen  one  seize  and  firnriy  hold 

A  fatted  heifer,  others  rent  the  limbs 

Of  steers  asunder;  ribs  and  cloven  hoofs 

Were  toss'd  around,  from  branching  pine^distiird 

Morsels  of  flesh  afnd  intermingled  gore. 

The  raging  bulls  ,  who  menacM  with  their  horns. 

Were  in  a  moment  stretch'd  upon  the  ground 

Assaii'd  by  many  a  blooming  maid  :  the  Daughters 

Of  royal  Cadmus  from  the  flesh  tore  off 

The  hides,  ere  you  could  close  your  eyes ;  and  swift 

As  birds  that  cleave  the  air,  they  to  the  vale 

Were  borne,  where  o'er  Asopus'  current  waves 

The  plenteous  Theban  harvest:  on  they  rush'd        / 

Midst  Hysia's  and  Erythra's  swains,  who  dwell 

Beneath  Cithaeron's  mount :  with  hostile  rage, 

AH  their  opponents  scattered,  and  dragg'd  forth 

The  shrieking  infants  from  their  lowly  cots; 

But  whatsoe'er  they  on  their  shoulders  plac'd, 

Tho*  fasten'd  by  no  bandage,  close  adher'd. 

And  fell  not  to  the  earth ;  no  not  e'en  brass. 

Or  ponderous  steel :  unsing'd  their  tresses  bore 

The  lambent  fire.     But  in  their  wrath,  the  peasants, 

Harrass'd  by  Bacchus'  votaries,  took  up  arms : 

A  wondrous  spectacle,  O  King,  ensued. 

For  by  our  brazen  spears  no  blood  was  drawn  : 

Hurl'd  from  their  hands,  but  where  the  thyrsus  smote, 

A  griesly  wound  appeared ;  that  female  troop 

Discomfited  the  warriors,  not  without 

Th^  assistance  of  some  Deity ;  then  came 

Back  to  their  station^  to  those  very  springs^ 


380  THE  BACCHANALIANS- 

Which  for  their  use  by  their  benignant  God 
Were  open'd,  there  they  cleansed  the  sprinkled  gore^ 
And  serpents  with  their  tongues  wip'd  clammy  dipops 
From  their  discolour'd  cheeks.     My  Lord^  admit 
!     Into  this  city,  whosoe'er  he  be, 
/    This  Power  Divine,  for  wondrous  is  his  might: 
'     I  am  inform'd,  this  also  they  aver, 
\    That  he,  the  grape,  that  med'cine  for  our  cares, 
i    Bestow'd  on  favour'd  mortals.     Take  away 
V    The  sparkling  Wine,  fair  Venus  smiles  no  more^  ' 
/   And  every  pleasure  quits  the  human  race. 

^  CHORUS. 

Tho'  in  the  presence  of  a  mighty  King 
I  dread  to  speak  so  freely,  yet  this  tinth 
Shall  be  declat-'d,   that  Bacchus  is  inferior 
To  none  of  all  the  Gods. 

PENTHEUS. 

In  one  short  moment 
The  pride  of  his  insensate  train- like  fire 
Is  lighted  up,  to  all  the  Greeks  a  source 
Of  great  dishonour.     But  the  times  admit 
Of  no  delay ;  go  to  Elect ra's  gate 
And  give  command  to  all  the  troops  who  bear 
The  ponderous  targe,  or  mount  the  rapid  steed; 
The  light-armM  infantry,  and  those  who  twaag 
With  surest  aim  th€  sounding  bow^  to  join  me^ 
That  we  may  war  against  this  frantic  crew. 
Else  will  disgrace  attend  us,  if  we  brook 
Such  insults  from  a  female  band.     [Exit  messsKGSB; 

(10)'  BACCHUS. 

O  Pentheus, 
You  still  remain  obdurate  tho'  you  hear 
My  counsels,  yet  tho*  I  from  you  endure 
Such  cruel  treatment^  still  do  I  maintain 

(10)  This  speech,  and  several  y^hich  follow,  are  ascribed  to  Baochni 
on  the  authorities  of  Reiskins,  Mr.  Heath,  Mr.  Tyrwhitt,  Dr.  MuS- 
grave,  and  Bnmck. 


tHE  BACCHANALIAS.  38 1 

It  is  yoor  duty  not  to  take  up  arms 
Against  the  God :  forego  this  rash  emprise ; 
For  ne'er  will  Bromius  suffer  you  to  drive 
His  votive  train  from  yonder  haunted  mount. 

PENTHEUS. 

Counsel  me  not ;  but  having  'scap'd  from  prison*,  - 
Be  satisfied  with  this^  or  I  again  ^ 
Will  punish  thee. 

BACCHUS. 

Much  rather  I  to  him 
Would  offer  sacrifice,  than  in  my  wrath. 
Frail  mortal  as  I  am,  kick  'gainst  the  spurs 
Of  a  vindictive  God. 

FENTHEUS. 

I  will  consign 
Fit  victims  to  the  altar;  slay  those  women 
As  they  deserve,  and  o'er  Cithaeron's  top 
Spread  universal  havoc. 

•       BACCHUS. 

Your  whole  band 
Shall  be  discomfited,  and  to  complete 
Your  shatne,  your  brazen  shields  shall  be  transpierced 
With  the  sl^ht  tJiyrsus. 

PENTHEUS. 
We,  a  stranger  harsh    . 
And  obstinate,  encounter,  who,  nor  yiefds 
To  punishments  jinflicted,  nor  desists. 
From  his  rash  enterprise. 

BACCHUS. 

You.sti^  have  means 

<  « 

,  Of  happily  composing  these  dissensioqs. 

PENTHEUS. 
By  doing  what?  by  crouching  ta  my  slaves? 

BACCHUS.        ,  ,  ,      ; 

These  women  hither  wjU.  ][  J|;>ring  unarm'd. 

.      .  PENTHEUS.     .  .     . 

Alas,  thou  meditat'st  som6  fell  dec^t. 


3St  THE  BACCHANALIANS. 

BACCHUS. 

Why  do  you  talk  of  treachery ;  by  myschemci 
When  I  would  save  you  ? 

PENTHEUS. 

Ye  this  plot  devised 
With  one  consent,  that  ye  might  ever  haunt 
Those  Bacchanalian  orgies. 

BACCHUS. 

I  have  form'd 
A  compact  with  the  God. 

PENTHEtJS. 

Bring,  bring  my  arms ; 
And  be  thou  silent. 

BACCHUS. 

Would  you  see  them  seated 
Together  on  the  summit  of  the  hill  f 

PENTHEUS. 
This  earnestly  I  wish  for  ;  and  with  heaps 
Of  gold,  for  the  discovery,  will  reward  thee. 

BACCHUS. 

Whence  can  such  wondrous  eagerness  arise  f 

PENTHEUS. 

y     Woe  be  to  those  I  find  inflam'd  with  wine.         '    . 

BACCHUS. 

Why  long  to  see  the  objects  which  you  loathe  ^ 

PENTHEUS. 

Know  then,  in  silence  as  I  sit  beneath 
Yon  sheltering  pine  — 

BACCHUS. 

But  they  will  trace  your  footsteps, 
Tho'  you  attempt  concealment. 

PENTHEUS. 

Face  to  face 
Shall  Pentheus  meet  them ;  thou  hast  rightly  spoken* 

BACCHUS. 

Under  my  conduct  will  you  undertake 
The  toilsome  march  ? 


THE  BACX^HANALIANS.  StS 

PKJTHEUS. 

Without  delay  lead  on : 
For  I  my  time  to  thy  disposal  yield. 

BACCHUS. 
Over  your  body  cast  a  linen  robe. 

PENTHEUS. 
Shall  I  forget  to  act  a  manly  part^ 
And  wear  the  dress  of  women  ? 

BACCHUS. 

Iiest.they  kill  you,  .  ^. 
If  they  perceive  you  are  a, loan*.  : 

PENTHEUS. 

These  counsels 
Are  well  suggested  ;  whosoe'er  thou  art. 
Thou  sure  art  wis6. 

BACCHUS. 

I  these  instructions  gain'd 
From  Bacchus. 

PENTHEUS. 

Teach  me  therefore  how  to  practise 
The  wholesome  admonitions  thou  hast  given. 

BwACCHUS.  .  , 

Entering  the  palace,  in  a  fit  disguise        .  . 
Will  I  equip  you.  ^ 

.     .  .P£9^TH£U$. . 
Such  as  women  woars  ?>< , 
It  shames  me.  >  .  -   . 

^,i,  :    Q^CCHUS. 

N^ir  noi)qnger  are  you  prompt  •■i 

The  votive  train  of  Bacchus  {x>  behold. 

'!.;.  .  ../:  PENTHEUS.  ..  ^\  - 

Describe  the  drf^f&tbo^.i^ean'st,  I  shall  f^ssume.  . 

Long  hair  I  d^vtrp  y9ur  l^ack  will  pfkutje  to  i^tream.. 
In  many  a  ringlet.  ^:    v       ,.  • 


m  W.     X 


Of  ornaments  for  me  wilt  thou  contrive  ? 


584  THE  BACCHANALIANS. 

BACCHUS. 

The  stole  shall  reach  your  feet,  and  o'er  your  bead 
I  mean  to  place  a  coif. 

PENTHEUS. 

Is  there  aught  more  ■' 

Which  thou  would'st  a.dd  f 

BACCHUS.     .  '     - 

The  thyrsus  in  your  band 
Must  you  sustain^  and  in  the  dappled  hide 
Of  a  slain  hind  advance. 

PENTHteUS. 

■Such  female  robes 
Are  what  I  cannot,  will  not  stoop  to  wear. 

^  BACCHUS. 

Go  then,  and  perish  in  th'  unequal  strife 
With  Bacchus*  votaries. 

PENTHEUS. 

Bfetter  were  it  first 
Their  motions  to  observe. 

BACCHds. 

By  far  more  wise  ■ 
Than  hunting  after  others  ills  to  swell 
The  number  of  those  ills  already  known.  '*'  ' 

PENTHEUS.  "r  '  f  X": 

But  thro' the  city  how  shall  I  proceed 
Unseen  by  every  Theban  ? 

BACCHUS. 

We  naust  use 

Paths  unfrequented:  I  will  lead  the  wHlpf' 

J^NTHEtJS;'''''  '-'  ■    ■    '   "  '•'  '  .     : 
I  rather  would  submit  to  aughl^^  than  sufier 
Bacchus*  infuriate  votaries  to  dericle  tilK     '     ^'  •  ^     ' 

BAGCHtiS; 

The  palace  we  will  enter,  wnd  deliberate, }'        '-    ' 
If  you  think  proper.  '.    ■'  - 

p£Nttnseii.^ 

Whertsdfelft^lthouwilt, 


THE -BACCHANALUNS.  SBS 

I  gke  my  free  consent,  and  will  go  forth 
Prepar'd  to  wield  the  javelin,  or  adopt 
Each  salutary  counsel  thou  canst  give. 

[Exit  PENtHEUS. 
BACCHUS. 
Soon  shall  be  reach  the  Bacclianalian  choir, 
And  die  as  he  deserves.    Ye  generous  Dames, 
Within  your  reach  he  stands.  .  To  thee,  O  God 
Of  Nyssa,  now  belongs  the  dread  emprise,   ' 
Nor  art  thou  distant  far :  be  vengeance  ours ; 
But  first  do  thou  with  madness  fire  his  soul,  ^ 

For  while  his  reason  yet  remains  entire. 
He  will  refuse  to  wear  a  female  vest. 
But  hurried  to  distraction  soon  assume 
Such  garb  :  I  would  expose,  him  to  the  scoffs 
Of  every  Theban>  thro'  the  city  led 
In  such  apparel,  since  he  utter'd  threats 
The  most  alarming.     But  I  go  t'  array 
Pentheus  in  trappings  such  as  he  shall  bear. 
Slain  by  his  Mother,  to  the  shades  beneath. 
Thus  shall  he  know  dread  Bacchus,  sou  of  Jove, 
A  God  most  terrible  when  he  asserts 
]His  slighted  power :  but  gracious  to  mankind. 

[Exit  BACCHU&, 
CHORUS. 

ODE. 

I. 

When  shall  I  join  the  midnight  dance. 
With  agile  step  my  comrades  lead, 
And  as  our  festive  choirs  advance 
Triumphant  o'er  the  enanlerd  mead. 
My  heaving  bosom  to  the  dewy  gale 
Expand,  high  bounding  like  a  fawn 
Who  gambols  o'er  the  verdant  lawn. 
When  from  the  hunter  she  with  ease 

TOL.   II  C  C 


I) 


366  T»E  BACCHANALrANS. 

Hath  'scap'd ,  and  sprung  from  his  entangling  snare. 

In  vain  a  clamorous  troop  pursue  5 
Swift  as  the  storm  bursts  thro'  the  troubled  air. 
She  leaves  them  far  behind,  and  in  the  dale 

*Midst  gushing  rivulets,  anew 

Ta*tes  the  sweet  charms  of  solitude, 

While  intervoven  thickets  rude 

Her  favourites  habitation  veil  ? 
.  What  greater  privlege  'midst  the  fell  debate; 
Can  sage  or  chieftain  froto  the  Gods  reqiiefit 
Xhan  that  of  ever  fastening  on  the  crest 

Of  the  miscreant  whom  we  hate? 

Pleasure  with  unsullied  fnmt 

Ever  must  alliance  claim. 

H. 

The  tardy  God  arrives  at  length 

His  stedftist  promise  to  fulfil. 

Exulting  in  immortal  strength. 

Tremble,  ye  ministers  of  ill ! 
With  vengeanibe  artn'd  he  smites  the  impious  head 

Of  him  who  dares  pollute  his  shrine. 

And  madly  spurn  the  powers  drvihe. 

The  Gods  thick  mists  around  them  d|>ibad. 
With  art  the  lingering  foot  of  Time  they  hide. 

And  to  his  haunts  the  sinner  trace. 
Desist !  ah,  hope  not  with  intemperate  pride 
Thou  canst  ascend  above  Heaven's  sacred  laws. 

The  wise  these  obvious  truths  embrace ; 

Whatever  he  be,  the  God  is  strong. 

And  every  custom  'stablish'd  long     ^ 

From  nature's  s(.'lf  derives  its  cause. 
What  greater  privilege  'midst  the  fell  debate 
Can  sage  or  chieftain  from  the  Gods  request  ^ 

Than  that  of  ever  fastening  on  the  crest 

Of  the  miscreant  whom  we  hate  ? 

Pleasure  with  unsullied  fame 

Ever  must  alliance  claim. 


THE  BACCHANALIANS.  587 

III. 

Blest  is  the  man  who  'scapes  the  stormy  wave. 

And  in  the  harbour  finds  repose: 

He  too  is  blest,  'midst  dangers  brave, 
Who  soars  above  the  malice  of  his  foes : 

And  now  these,  now  those  possess 

Superior  talents  or  success ; 
Distinct  their  aims  ;  but  hope  each  bosom  fires. 

There  are,  a  rich  encrease  who  find,     . 
The  vows  of  some  are  scatter'd  in  the  wind : 

But  in  my  judgement  blest  are  they 

Who  taste,  tho'  only  for  the  day. 
The  joys  their  soul  desires. 

BACCHUS,  PENTHEUS,  CHORUS, 

BACCHUS. 

On  you,  O  Pentheus,  eager  to  behold 
The  rites  which  are  forbidden,  and  attempt 
Impossibilities,  I  call ;  come  forth 
Without  the  palace,  and  before  these  eyes 
Appear  in  Bacchanalian  robes  attir'd, 
A  likeness  of  the  Msenades,  a  spy      ^ 
On  your  own  Mother,  and  the  hallow'd  choir. 
Your  form  resembles  one  of  CadmusT  daughters. 

PENTHEUB. 

Two  suns,  Biethinks,  these  wondering  eyes  behold, 
And  the  strange  visi<Mi  of  a  double  Thebes 
With  its  seven  gates ;  thou,  ehangkl  into  a  bull, 
Appears't  to  lead  the  way,  and  from  thy  head 
Rise  stately  horns.    Art  thou  indeed  that  beast  f 
For  thou  its  semblance  bear'st.    Before  us  marches 
4;Some  unpropitious  God. 

BACCHUS. 

He  is  a  friend 

To  our  designs :  and  now  those  eyes  disceni 
The  objects  you  were  destia'd  iOLbAoid. 

c  c  2 


S88  THE  BACCHANALIANS. 

PENTHEUS. 

What  semblance  do  I  wear  ?  Is  not  this  gait. 
The  gait  of  Ino^  this  Agave's  mien  ? 

BACCHUS. 
Fixing  my  eyes  on  you>  melhinks  e'en  now 
I  see  them.     But  those  tresses  are  misplac'd. 
And  loosen'd  from  the  coif  which  I  bound  o'er  theoi* 

PENTHEUS. 

By  shaking  them,  as  in  my  house  I  trod 
With  Bacchanalian  transports,  in  wild  dance, 
I  have  dishevel'd  them. 

BACCHUS. 

But,  I,  whose  offioe 
Is  to  attend  you,  will  their  braids  renew: 
Lift  up  your  head. 

PENTHEUS. 

These  ornaments  adjust ; 
For  I  on  thee  depend. 

BACCHUS. 

Your  zone  is  loose. 
Nor  hangs  the  decent  vest  in  waving  folds 
Down  to  your  feet. 

PENTHEUS. 

To  me  they  seem  to  leayc 
My  right  expos'd,  but  cover  my  left  ankle* 

BACCHUS. 

Will  you  not  place  me  in  the  foremoft  rank 
Among  your  friends,  when  with  surprize  you  find 
The  Bacchanalians  virtuous  ? 

PENTHEUS. 

In  which  hand 
Holding  my  thyrsus,  shall  I  most  resemble 
One  of  their  festive  troop  ? 

BACCHUS. 

You  from  the  ground 
With  your  right  hand  and  your  right  foot  must  lift  it. 
This  change  in  your  opinion  I  applaud. 


THE  BACCHANALIANS.  389 

PENTHEUS. 

Upon  my  shoulders  can  I  bear  away, 
Cithasron's  mount,  with  Bacchus'  frantic  crew  ? 

BACCHUS. 

You  certainly  are  able  if  you  will. 
Erst  was  your  soul  diseased,  but  you  ijiow  think 
Just  as  you  ought. 

PENTHEUS. 

Strong  levers  must  I  bring, 
Or  with  these  hands  unaided,  from  its  basis 
Can  I  pluck  up  the  mountain,  on  these  arms 
And  shoulders  heaving  it  ? 

BACCHUS. 

O  spare  that  seat 
Dear  to  the  Nymphs,  and  dear  to  gentle  Paiji 
Whence  oft  resounds  the  flute. 

PENTHEUS. 

Thou  well  hast  spoken. 
Defenceless  women  must  not  be  subdued 
By  brutal  strength  :  but  in  the  piny  grove 
Will  I  conceal  myself. 

BACCHUS. 

A  place  well-suitied 
For  your  intended  ambush  will  you  find. 
When  thither  you  ascend,  a  treacherous  spv, 
To  view  the  Ma&nades. 

PENTHEUS. 

I  rather  think 
That  'midst  the  woods,  they  like  3the  feather'd  race 
May  in  their  beds  be  caught,  to  wanton  sloth 
While  they  themselves  abandonr 

BACCHUS, 

On  the  watch 

Go  therefore,  and  you  haply  will  surprize  them 
If  not  surpriz'd  yourself. 

PENTHEUS. 

Mn  pomp  conduct 


a&^. 


590  THE  BACCHANAUANS. 

Me  thro'  the  midst  of  the  fam'd  Theibaq  realm, 

Por  I  alone  of  all  its  valiant  ^QBS 

Have  dar*d  to  undertake  this  great  emprise. 

BACCHUS. 

You  singly  for  the  city  have  endur'd 
Toils  to  yourself  peculiar,  and  such  coaflicts 
As  your  atchievements  have  deserv'd,  await  you, 
But  follow  me,  for  I  am  a  safe  guide : 
Thence  shall  another  bear  you. 

PENTI^EUS. 

What,  my  Mother  f 

BACCHUS. 

To  every  eye  conspicuous.    . 

PENTHEUS. 

Such  my  aim. 

BACCHUS. 

You  shall  be  carried  back. 

PENTHpUS. 

Thou  represen^'st  me 
Like  some  inactive  dastard. 

BACCHUS. 

In  the  hands 
Of  her  who  gave  you  birth. 

PENTHEUS. 

How  !  must  I  then 
Be  so  effeminate  ? 

BACCHUS. 

As  this  implies. 

PENTHEUS. 

An  undertaking  worthy  of  myself 
Is  that  on  which  I  enter.  [Exit  penthevs. 

BACCHUS. 

You  in  wrath 
Are  dreadful,  aiid  to  dreadful  scenes  of  blood 
Rush  with  impetuous  step.    Top  high  for  e^rth. 
Go  seek  renown  in  Heaven.    Stretch  forth  your  hands, 
Ag^ve,  and  thy  sisters,  O  ye  Daughters 


THE  BACCHANALIANS.  $^i 

Of  Cadmus.    To  9  mighty  strife  I  lead 

This  youth,  where  I  and  Bromius  shall  prevail. 

The  sequel,  let  th*  ev^nt  itself  disclose. 

[Exit  BACCHUS.* 

CHOttys. 

O    D    E. 

I. 

Swift  hounds  of  Madness,  the  steep  mount  ascen^. 

To  Cadmus'  Daughters  at  their  mystic  xite 

Hie  instantly,  e^^b  bosom  rend 
With  that  porten|;oii3  rage  your  stipga  excite 
'Gainst  yon  distracted  spy,  in  female  vest 

Who  with  a  treacherous  purpose  ^rest, 

The  haliow'd  Maenades  invades. 
His  Mother  op  the  rook,  surveys  our  foe 

A^O^ding  from  ^he  plains  below, 
d^d  to  her  oomrade^  'miidst  their  wqnted  shades, 

Exclaicas ;  '^  With  iaipious  scorn 
^'  What  Xbebatt  mount3  these  hilU  to  y^:?^  our  chojr  ? 

*^  He  was  not  by  a  moilal  Sire 

''  Begotten,  or  of  woman  born, 

'^  From  some  lion'«  fierce  embrace 
"  He  sprung,  or  from  the  Libyan  Gorgon's  race.'^ 

Descend  from  Heaven,  thy  gUttWPg  steel 
Unsheath,  O  Justice,  let  that  ^artbrborn  youth, 
poe  to  religion^  law,  and  plighted  truths 
^chion's  Son,  severest  vengeance  feel. 

n. 

With  views  tyrannjp,  and  immoderate  ire^j 
Where  Bacchus  loves  his  midnight  spoVts  to  hold. 

And  Sem^le^s  devoted  choir 
Her  pr^se9  chant,  he  ranges  uncontrol'd. 
As  if  man's  feeble  prowess  coujd  defy 

Th*  unconquerable  Deity. 

Securely  o'er  life's  dangerous  stage 
Who  hope  to  pass,  their  wandering  thoughts  confine,. 

Nor  scrutinise  exploits  divine. 


392  THE  BAGGHANAUANS. 

I  envy  not  the  talents  of  the  Sage ; 

Far  nobler  aims  are  mine  : 
Those  truths  alone  I  labour  to  attain 

Which  stablish  Virtue's  endless  reign. 

In  such  devotions  prompt  to  join 

I  each  rite  with  horror  view, 
That  tends  to  rob  the  Gods  of  homage  due. 

Descend  from  Heaven,  thy  glittering  steel 
IJnsheath,  O  Justice,  let  that  ejarth-born  youth. 
Foe,  to  religion,  law,  .and  plighted  truth, 
Echion's  Son,  severest  vengeance  f^l. 

m. 

Assume  the  bull's  tremendous  form, 
A  dragon  arm'd  with  thousand  heads  arise. 

Or  with  the  lion's  glaring  eyes  f 

Thou  mighty  (11)  Hunter  rouse'thp  gathering  storm i 
Yet  rather  now  thine  own  ingenuous  fiaice 

Displaying,  in  the, snare  surprize 
yon  Tyrant  ere  his  danger  he  descries. 
Fallen  'mong  the  Maenades  that  fatal  raoct 

MESSENGER,  CHORUS. 

MESSENGER. 

Ye  mansions^  prosperous  erst  in  Greece,  and  founde4 
(12)  By  that  old  man  of  Sidon,  in  these  meads 
Who  sow'd  the  earth-born  crop  when  he^ad  slain 
The  Dragon  ;  with  what  tears  do  I  bewail 
Your  fate  :  tho'  servitude  be  my  hard  portion  ^ 
Yet  sympathises  an  ingenuous  slave 
In  the  afflictions  of  his  lords. 

(11)  Zagreus,  one  of  the  names  of  Bacchus,  is  derived  l)y  ik»  lexi- 
cographers from  his  activity  in  the  chase  j  Zay^,  qoasi  Tiofu  oygnw* 
H.  Steph.  Thes.  Gr.  vol,  5.  p.  1003. 

(12)  Cadmus,  vfho  founded  Thebes,  when  he  was  yet  young  and 
previous  to  his  marriage  with  Harmonia ;  but  is  in  this  Tragedy  repre- 
sented as  very  aged  and  infirm,  his  Grandson  Pentheus  being  aniveidfat 
ve^irs  of  maturity. 


THE  BACCHANALIANS.  893 

CHORUS. 

What  bringst  thou 
Fresh  tidings  from  the  Bacchanalian  dames  ? 

MESSENGER. 

Echion's  offsprings  Pentheus,  is  no  more, 

CHORUS. 

O  sovereign  Bromius,  now  dost  thou  appear 
A  mighty  God. 

MESSENGER. 

What  mean'st  thou  by  this  language  ? 
At  the  disastrous  fortunes  of  our  King 
Dost  thou  exult,  O  woman  ? 

CHORUS. 

I  was  born 
in  foreign  climes,  and  with  Barbaric  voice 
Chant  Bacchus'  praises.     Now  no  more  I  fear 
The  galling  chain. 

MESSENGER. 

Canst  thou  suppose  that  Thebes 
Is  thus  enervate  grown  ? 

CHORUS. 

Not  Thebes,  but  Bacchus, 
'Bacchus  is  now  our  Ruler. 

MESSENGER. 

I  forgive  thee ; 
Yet  glorying  in  the  mischiefs  ye  have  done, 

0  woman,  is  unseemly. 

CHORUS. 
By  what  fatfs 
T^he  miscreant  died,  inform  me. 

MESSENGER* 

Having  left 
Therapn^,  Pentheus  and  myself  now  cross'd 
Asopus' current,  and  begun  to  climb 
CithsBron's  mount,  a  Stranger  guided  us 
To  view  the  mystic  orgies ;  on  my  lord 

1  tended  :  first  we  reach'd  a  verdant  grove 


391  THE  BACCHANALUNS. 

Thro*  which  with  cautious  step  we  trod,  observing 

Strict  silence:  for  uuseen  we  hop'd  to  see. 

There  was  a  valley,  whiph  ou  either  side 

Was  bounded  by  a  precipice,  refresh'd 

By  many  a  spring,  and  shaded  o'er  with  pines. 

Where  sat  the  Maenades,  their  hands  employ'd 

In  pleasing  labours  ;  round  their  batter'd  thypBUS 

^ome  wound  anew  the  ivy,  wbjle  the, rest 

Leaving  the  craggy  summit  of  the  hill. 

Like  sportive  coursers  from  the  yoke  releas'd. 

Sung  to  each  other  in  alternate  strains 

Their  Bacchanalian  hymns.     But  hapless  Pentheufj 

Beholding  not  the  famale  bani},  exclaim'd  ; 

'*  O  Stranger,  from  the  spot  on  which  we  stand, 

^  These  eyes  distinctly  see  not  the  wild  gestures 

^*  Of  Bacchus'  votaries  :  but  if  we  mount* 

The  neighbouring  hilloc,  on  whose  snnuoit  grows 

A  lofty  pine,  I  better  shall  discern 
'^  Their  rites  unseemly."    Soon  as  he  had  spoken ; 
Wrought  by  the  Stranger,  an  exploit  I  witness-d 
The  most  miraculous ;  for  with  his  hand 
He  seiz'd  the  topmost  branches  of  the  pine 
Which  tower'd  to  Heaven,  and  trail'd  them  in  the  duat^ 
Thus  like  a  bow,  or  like  the  crooked  wheel 
Which  with  unwearied  motion  in  a  circle 
Around  its  axis  whirls,  the  Stranger  warp'd 
The  stateliest  trunk  whjch  on  the  mountain  grew. 
With  niore  than  human  might:  then  placing  Pentheus 
Upon  the  branches  of  the  pine,  he  loos'd 
His  hold  with  gradual  caution,  lest  the  King 
Might  from  his  seat,  by  an  elastic  bound. 
Be  shaken:  but  the  tree,  on  which  my  Lord 
Still  kept  his  seat,  tower'd  upright  to  the  skies : 
Here  by  the  Maenades  was  he  discovered  ; 
Ere  he  beheld  them  :   for  exalted  thus. 
He  now  was  more  conspicuous  than  before. 
The  Stranger  was  no  longer  to  be  seen  : 


THE  BACCHANALIANS. 


d9K 


i€ 


it 


feut  from  the  clouds^  a  voice  burst  forth,  supposed 
To  be  by  Bacchus  utter*d,  J'  O  ye  Nymphs, 
(  bring  the  miscreant  hither  who  derides 
Both  you,  and  me,  and  the  mysterious  orgies 
"  Which  I  ordain'd :  'tis  yours  to  punish  him.** 
Scarce  had  he  spoken,  when  the  sacred  flames 
From  Heaven  descending  overspread  the  ground. 
HushM  was  the  air,  and  in  the  silent  grove 
\No  rustling  motion  of  the  leaves  was  heard. 
Nor  roar'd  the  beasts  of  prey :  yet  not  distinctly 
Did  the  voice  reach  their  ears,  they  rose  to  listen, 
And  wildly  gaz'd  around,  till  he  afresh 
Issu'd  his  mandates.     Soon  as  Cadmus'  Daughters 
Clearly  distinguished  the  commands  of  Bacchus, 
liike  winged  doves,  they  ran  with  nimble  foot ; 
Ag^ve,  Mother  tp  our  King,  her  Sisters, 
And  all  the  Bacchanalian  Ds^mes,  o'erleap'd 
The  foaming  torrent,  and  the  craggy  rock, 
For  Bacchi|s  had  breath'd  frenzy  on  their  souls. 
Descrying  Pentheus  seated  on  the  pine, 
First  at  the  Monarch's  h^ad  they  hurl'd  huge  stones. 
Mounting  an  £^dversie  cliff,  aud  strove  to  smite  him 
With  the  torn  branches  of  the  pine;  their  comrades^ 
The  missile  thyrsus  aiming  at  the  foe. 
Wasted  in  air  their  unavsiiling  rage: 
Too  high  for  them  to  reach,  he  sat,  regardless 
Of  danger,  till  at  length,  they  with  a  force. 
Like  that  bf  thunderbolts,  threw  arms  of  oaks 
Which  they  had  rooted  up  without  the  aid 
Of  iron  levers.     But  when  yet  their  toils 
Remained  unfinish'd ;  "  O  ye  Maenades," 
Agave  cried  ;  "  collecJ;ed  in  a  ring 
^'  Around  the  tree,  takp  hold  of  it,  and  seize 
^'  The  Beast  who  to  its  summit  hath  ascended, 
'^  Lest  he  divulge  our  God's  mysterious  rites.'* 
They,  at  the  signal,  with  a  thousand  hands, 
Qrasf>*d  the  firm  pine,  and  tore  it  from  the  ground* 
To  earth,  high-mounted,  from  its  giddy  top 


596  THE  BACCHANALIANS. 

Fell  PeDtheus  groaning  :  for  he  knew  his  fate  * 

Was  near.     His  wretched  Mother,  like  a  Priesteat, 

Began  the  sacrifice ;  he  threw  the  cawl 

From  his  dishevel'd  hair,  that  she  her  Son 

Might  recognise,  nor  in  his  gore  imbrue 

Her  ruthless  hands  :  be  touch'd  her  cheeks  and  cried; 

*'  I  am,  I  am,  O  Mother,  your  own  Son, 

'^  That  Pentheus  whom  beneath  Echion's  roof 

'^  You  bore,  take  pity  on  me  then,  nor  slay 

^'  Your  guilty  child."     But  she  meantime  with  rage 

Still  foaming,  roli'd  her  eyes,  of  reason  reft, 

Possest  by  Bacchus,  nor  her  stubborn  soul 

Could  his  entreaties  move :  then  with  both  handt 

Seiz'd  his  left  arm,  and  stamping  on  the  ribs 

Of  this  unhappy  victim,  tore  away 

His.  (13)  shoulder,  nor  appeared  th'  e^certion  great^^ 


(13)  In  describing  the  death  of  Pentheus,  with  a  nunnteiiess  wideh 

cannot  fail  of  disgusting  every  reader,  Euripides  has  been  ibOowed  by^, 

Ovid,  Met  I.  iii.  v.  710.    Propertins  very  justly  enomerates  it  amoiiK 

ffae  horrors  of  Grecian  history,  and  joins  it  with  the  e3q>osure  of  Ak- 

dr6nieda,  Thyestes'  feast,   the  death  of  Meleager,    the  sacrifice  of 

Iphigenia,  and  the   cruellies  of  Sinis  retorted  on  his  own  head :  but 

his  appUcation  is  pecuUarly  unfortunate   when  he  compliments  Italy 

as  free  from  equal  enormities :  for  Rome  in  those  early  days,  which 

may  most  fitly  be  adduced  as  parallels  to  tlie  al>ove  events  (collected 

from  a  Variety  of  detached  Grecian  states)  beheld  its  very  fomildatioii 

cemented  with  the  blood  of  Remus  slain  by  his  Brother^s  hand :  of  the 

six  first  Kings,   Numa  alone  appears  to  have    escaped   assasinatkMiu 

Add  to  these  crimes,  Horatius  stabbing  liis    own  Sister,  the  cruelty 

exercised  on  tlie  traitor  Melius,  and  the  rape  of  Lucretia,  the  first  ages 

of  Rome  will  suffice  at  least  for  a  counterpart  to  those  of  Greece :  but  if 

we  suppose  the  Latin  Poet,  inattentive  to  the  more  antient  records  of 

his  country,  to  have  had  in  view  only  the  times  in  which  he  lived  ;  the 

history  of  the  second  Triumvirate,   and  its   inhuman  proscripdons,  is 

too  well  known  to  need  any  discussion :  but  its  being  recorded  that 

the  Fatlier  of  Propcrtias  was  massacred  by  command  of  Augnstos,  is 

a  circumstance  I  can  by  no  means  pass  over,  as  it  leaves  us  in  doubt 

how  to  portion  out  our  detestation  between  the  Tyrant,  whose  cow. 

ardice  and  cnielty  deluged  Rome  with  blood,  shed  by  the  daggers  of 

assassins,  and  the  venal  Bard,  who,  by  giving  the  appellation  of  Dens 

to  his- Father's  murderer,  hath  left  us  an  instance  of  servility  at  wfaid| 

nature  shudders. 


THE  BACCHANAUANS.  897 

• 

For  by  the  God,  with  ease  was  she  enabled 

Her  bloody  purpose  to  effect :  but  Ino, 

On  his  right  side,  full  ihany  a  ghastly  wound 

Inflicted ;  with  Autonoe,  the  whole  Choir 

Of  Bacchanalian  Daiues  press'd  on,  andjoin'd 

In  one  tremendous  shout :  his  groans  continued 

Till  he  had  breath'd  his  last.     They  howl'd,  one  rent 

His  arm  away,  another  with  his  foot 

The  sandal ;  they  laid  bare  his  ribs,  and  scatter'd, 

Like  balls,  the  mangled  morsels  of  his  flesh  : 

Dispers*d,  his  body  lies,  beneath  the  rocks^ 

And  midst  the  leafy  thicket,  nor  with  ease 

Can  be  discover'd.     But  the  ghastly  head 

His  Mother  seiz'd,  and,  on  her  thyrsus  fixt, 

Over  Cithaeron's  mountain,  as  the  spoils 

Of  a  slain  lion,  bears  it ;  having  left 

Her  Sisters  with  the  Masnades  engaged 

In  choral  rites,  proud  of  her  horrid  trophy 

She  thro'  the  portals  stalks,  and  calls  aloud 

On  Bacchus  her  companion  in  the  chase^ 

Who  aided  her  to  take  the  prize.     What  tears 

From  so  unblest  a  triumph  soon  shall  stream  ! 

But  from  the  scene  of  misery  I  retir'd 

Before  Agave  to  these  mansions  come. 

For  modest  worth,  and  reverence  for  the  Gods, 

Are,  in  my  judgement,  the  most  certain  marks 

Of  glory  and  of  wisdom  in  mankind. 

[Exit  MESSENGER. 

CHORUS. 

Bacchus  claims  our  choral  lay. 
Be  the  fall  of  Pentheus  sung. 
From  the  mighty  Dragon  sprung; 
Who  in  female  vestments  gay. 
Sure  pledge  of  death,  the  sacred  wand 
Bore  enwreath'd  with  ivy  band^ 
By  the  Bull's  false  semblance  led 
To  inevitable  fate. 


« 


8D6  THte  BACCHANALIANS. 

Ye  Maenades,  who  spring  from  CadmnSy  bear! 

On  him  the  God  hath  wreak'd  his  hate. 

Our  presumptuous  foe  hatli  bled 

With  mimy  a  groan  and  many  a  tear. 

Heroic  strife,  the  Mother  tore 

Her  Son,  and  in  his  streaming  gore 

Did  her  triumphant  hands  imbrue. 

But  I  cease  the  warbled  strain. 

For  hither  fierce  Agave  hies  : 

Madness  glaring  in  her  eyes  : 

She  to  Bacchus  hath  been  true ; 

Let  her  join  our  hallow'd  train. 

AGAVE,  CHORUS. 

AGAVE. 

Ye  Asiatic  Bacchanalians ! 

CHORUS. 

Ha! 

Why  call  me  ? 

AGAVE. 

From  yon  mountain,  to  the  palace^ 
I  bring  this  Whelp  new^slain,  no  vulgar  prize. 

CHORUS. 

I  see  it,  and  receive  you  for  our  comrade. 

AGAVE. 

Without  a  snare,  I  this  young  Lion  caught. 
As  your  own  eyes  may  witness. 

CHORUS. 

In  what  desert  ? 

AGAVE. 

Cithaeron. 

CHORUS. 

Say  what  mean  you  by  Cithaeron? 

AGAVE. 

Cithaeron  slew  him. 

CHORUS. 

Who  first  gave  the  wound  ? 


.  •  t 


TH£  BACCHANALIANS  309 

AGAVE, 

Tl^t  praise  was  all  my  own. 

CHORUS. 

Thrice  blest  Agavifi ! 

AGAVE. 

Hence  in  loud  hymns  shall  they  record  my  name. 

CHORUS. 

What  partner  had  you  ? 

AGAVE. 

Cadmu^'— ^ 
CHORUS. 

Who  belonging' 
To  Cadmus  i 

AGAVE, 

After  me  his  Daughters  smote 
This  Beast. 

CHORUS. 
Successful  in  so  great  a  prize. 

AGAVE. 

Partake  the  batiquet. 

CHORUS. 

What  shall  I  partake  ? 
Wretc^i  that  I  am  ! 

AGAVE. 

This  seems  a  tender  Whelp, 
His  head  was  cover'd  with  a  length  of  hair. 
But  on  his  cheeks  it  just  began  to  spring: 
And  from  his  shaggy  mane  'tis  evident 
That  he's  a  Lion.    Bacchus^  skilful  hunter, 
Rotis'd  'gainst  this  Beast  the  Maenades. 

CHORUS^ 

Our  King 
Keturns  victorious  from  the  sylvan  chase. 

AGAVE. 

You  praise  — 

CHORUS. 

On  whom  do  I  my  praise  bestow  ? 

AGAVE. 

Soon  shall  the  Theban&praise  me ;  «oon  shall  Fenthea8> 


40O  THE  BACCHANALIANS. 

My  Son,  applaud  his  Mother,  who  hath  slain   . 
The  Lion^s  furioud  Whelp. 

CHORUS. 

Do  you  exult  ? 

AOAVE. 

With  transport,  yes  with  transport  I  recount 
The  great  and  glorious  deeds  I  have  atchiev'd. 

CHORUS.  ' 

Now  to  the  citizens,  O  wretched  woman. 
Display  the  trophies  you  have  hither  brought. 

AGAVE. 

Draw  near,  O  ye  inhabitants  of  Thebes 
With  stately  turrets  crown'd,  that  ye  may  view 
The  ravenous  Beast,  whom  we  of  Cadmus'  race 
Hunted  and  caught,  without  the  barbed  shafts 
Thessalia  lends,  without  the  fraudful  net. 
But  by  our  hands  alone.     I  hence  may  speak 
In  loftier  terms,  and  scorn  the  useless  toil 
Of  them  who  forge  the  spear  :  for  with  these  handt 
Have  I  both  caught  and  rent  the  howling  Savage. 
Where  is  my  aged  Sire  ?  let  him  approach  : 
And  where  my  Son,  my  Pentheus  ?  from  the  palace 
Go  bid  him  bring  a  ladder,  and  affix 
The  Lion's  head  to  yonder  sculptur'd  frieze. 

CADMUS,  AGAVE,  CHORUS. 

CADMUS  to  his  Attendants. 
Follow  my  steps,  and  in  procession  march 
Before  these  mansions,  O  my  friends,  who  bear 
That  miserable  burden,  Pentheus'  corse, 
Which  after  long  researches  I  have  found   . 
Upon  Cithairon's  cliff,  and  hither  bring. 
In  pieces  torn,  and  from  the  tangled  thicket 
Collected  :  for  I  heard  ih'  audacious  deed 
My  Daughters  have  committed  ;  thro'  the  streets. 
As  I,  with  old  Tiresias,  to  perform 
The  rites  of  Bacchus  went :  the  sacred  mount 
Revisiting,  I  thence  convey  my  Son, 


THE  BACCHANALIANS.  401 

Slain  by  the  M»nades*    Autonoe,  Wife 

To  Aristsus^  Mother  of  Acta9on> 

And  with  her  Ino,  I  beheld  :  possest 

By  frenzy  'midst  the  thicket  still  they  range. 

But  hither^'as  some  stranger  hath  inform'd  me^ 

Agave  comes  with  Bacchanalian  step^ 

Nor  groundless  were  the  tidings  which  I  heard  : 

For  I  her  inauspicious  face  descry. 

AGAVE. 

Thou^   O  my  Father^  hast  a  right  to  boast 
That  thou  the  noblest  Daughters  hast  begotten  : 
In  the  same  terms  I  speak  of  the  whole  race. 
But  mostly  of  myself,  who  at  the  loom 
Leaving  my  web  unfinish'd,  have  aspir'd 
To  greater  actions,  with  these  naked  hands 
Seizing  the  Lion.     In  my  arms,   thou  seest. 
The  trophies  which  my  valour  hath  obtain'd 
I  bring,  to  be  suspended  in  the  palace : 
Receive  them,  O  my  Father,  and  exulting 
In  my  successful  chase,  invite  thy  friends^ 
To  share  the  feast,  for  thou,  thro'  such  exploits 
By  me  performed,  art  happy,  yes  thrice  happy. 

CADMUS. 

O  grief,  all  bounds  surpassing!  and  O  murder, 
Which  by  those  miserable  hands  was  wrought. 
Too  grievous  to  behold  1  A  chosen  victim 
Presenting  to  the  Gods,  all  Thebes  and  me 
You  to  the  feast  invite.     First  let  me  wail 
Your  woes,  and  then  my  own :  for  from  the  God 
Tho' we  deserve  such  treatment,  too  severely 
Have  we  been  punish'd  by  the  mighty  Bromius 
Our  kinsman. 

AGAVE. 

How  morose  !  what  louring  frowns 

Contract  the  eyeJids  of  an  aged  man ! 
May  my  Son  prosper  in  the  chase,  and  act 
Like  his  intrepid  Mother,  when,  surrounded 

VOL.   II.  O  B 


../4,    _ 


40«  THE  BACCHANALIANS. 

By  Theban  youths,  he  rushes  on  the  haunts 

Of  savage  beasts :  but  he  can  only  wage 

An  impious  war  against  the  Gods.     My  Sire, 

Let  us  instruct  him  not  to  place  delight 

In  sophistry's  pernicious  art.    Where  is  he? 

Who  will  invite  him  hither  as  a  witness 

To  my  felicity  i 

CADMUS. 

Alas!  alas! 
When  you  perceive  what  yon  have  done^  your  sorrows 
Will  be  intolerable :  but  if  for  ever 
You  in  your  present  state  could  have  remained, 
Tho'  ye  are  distant  far  from  real  bliss 
Yet  would  not  you  seem  wretched  to  yourselves. 

AGAVE. 

But  which  of  these  transactions  was  not  right. 
Or  can  produce  affliction. 

CADMUS. 
First  lift  up 
Your  eyes  to  Jleaven. 

APAVE. 

I  do.    Why  bid  me  look 

On  that  etherial  region  ? 

CADMUS. 

Seems  the  air 
To  you  as  if  it  still  remain'd  the  same. 
Or  is  it  chang'd  ? 

AGAVE. 
Tis  brighter  than  before, 
And  more  transparent. 

CADMUS. 

Is  your  soul  still  seiz'd 
With  the  same  stupefaction  i 

AGAVE. 

Tho*  I  know  not 
The  meaning  of  this  language,  by  degrees 
Am  I  grown  calm,  my  former  transporU  cease. 


THE  BACCHANALIANS.  403 

CADMUS. 

Are  your  ears  open  then  to  wisdom's  voice  ? 
Can  you  discreetly  answer  ? 

AGAVE. 

I  forget 
£ach  circumstance  we  talk'd  of,  O  my  Sire. 

CADMtJS. 

Into  what  mansion,  'midst  the  jocund  rites 
Of  Hymen,  did  you  enter  ? 

AGAVE. 

Me  thou  gav'st 
In  marriage  to  Echton,  w  ho,  they  say. 
Sprung  from  the  Dragon's  teeth. 

CADMUS. 

Beneath  those  roof^ 
What  offspring  to  your  husband  did  you  bear? 

agaVe. 

Pentheus,  the  product  of  our  mutual  love» 

CADMUS.     , 

But  in  those  arms  whose  visage  do  you  hold  i 

AGAVE. 

A  Lion's,  as  my  partners  of  the  chase 
Inform  me. 

CADMUS. 

View  it  stedf  astly ;  with  ease 
May  you  discern* 

AGAVE. 

Ha !  what  do  I  behold  ? 
Why  in  my  hands  this  trophy  do  I  bear? 

CADMUS. 

Mark,  and  in£Drm  yourself  yet  more  distinctly. 

AGAVE. 

These  eyes  discern  the  greatest  of  all  griefs. 

CADMUS. 

'  Doth  it  appear  the  semblance  of  a  Lion  I 

AGAVE. 

No :  I  his  miserable  Mother  hold 

p  D  2 


404  THE  BACCHANALIANS. 

The  head  of  Pentheus. 

CADMUS. 

Slain  before  you  knew  him : 
Most  piteous  doom ! 

AGAVE. 

Who  murdered  himf  how  fell  he. 
Into  my  hands  i 

CADMUS. 

O  wretched  Truths  thou  com'st^ 

Unseasonably. 

AGAVE. 

Speak  out ;  my  bosom  throbf 
'Midst  this  suspence. 

CADMUS. 

You^  and  your  Sbters^  slew  him* 

AGAVE. 

Where  died  he  ?  In  his^  palace  ?  Name  the  spot. 

CADMUS. 

Where  erst  Actseon  by  his  hounds  was  torn* 

AGAVE. 

But  wherefore  did  the  helpless  youth  ascend 
Cilhaeron's  mount? 

CADMUS. 

He  went  to  ridicule 
Your  orgies,  and  the  God. 

AGAVE. 

What  motive  brought 
Us  hither  ? 

CADMUS. 
Ye  were  frantic ;  and  all  Thebes  . 
With  Bacchanalian  transports  wasinspiifd^    , 

AQAy?. 

Bacchus  hath  caus'd  our  ruin,  ithis.otlepgjiii  . , 
I  comprehend. 

CADMUS. 

By  you  was  he  insulted ; 
For  him  ye  deem'd  no  God. 


TfiE  BACCHANALIANS.  405 

AGAVE. 

But  where,  my  Sire, 
Are  Penthetis*  lov'd  remains  ? 

CADSIUS. 

I  with  much  toil 
Have  trac'd  his  hodj  out,  and  hither  bring, 

AGAVK 

Are  these  limbs  joined  anew  ?  but  on  my  Son  , 
What  portion  of  my  madness  did  I  wreak? 

CADMUS. 

Like  you,  he  worshiped  not  the  God,  who  hence 
AU  in  one  ruin  hath  involved,   both  you 
And  him,  that  he  this  miserable  house 
Might  overthrow,  and  me  who  destitute 
(14)  Of  Sons,  alas,  my  Daughter,  see  this  youth. 
Fruit  of  your  womb,  dishonourably  siain, 
And  by  unholy  hands.     To  him,  my  house 
Look'd  up  with  eyes  of  hope.    Thou,  O  my  Grandson, 
The  pillar  of  these  mansions,  wert  rever*d 
By  the  whole  city.     No  man  dar'd  t*  insult  me, 
Altho'  I  was  grown  old,  when  he  beheld 
Thy  prowess  :  for  from  thee  would  he  have  found 
The  punishment  he  merited.     But  now 
Shall  I  the  mighty  Cadmus  with  disgrace 
Be  from  these  walls  expell'd,  e'en  I  who  sow'd 
The  Theban  race,   and  reap'd  that  glorious  harvest. 
O  most  belov'd  !  altho'  thou  art  no  more, 

(14)  **  Here  Euripides  representing  the  aged  Cadmus  without  male  issue, 
'*  TioUites  the  received  tradition  of  antient  History,  and  even  contradicts 
**  his  6wn  express  authority  in  thePhoBnissap,  where  he  declares  that  Cad- 
**  mas  by  his  wife  l&rmonia  had  a  son  whose  name  was  Polydorus.  And 
**  we  learn  from  Diodorus  Siculus,  that  Polydorus  son  oK  Cadmus  re- 
*  tamed  to  the  kingdom  of  Thebes  after  the  expuMon  of  lus  Father, 
**  md  that  his  descendeuts  there  reigned  irj  successiait.  Pa  isj\rias 
**  likewise  n^entions  this  Polydorus  as  son  of  Cadmtis,  and  inturms  us 
**  that  he  enjoyed  the  sovereignty  of  Thebes,  after  the  migration  of 
**  Cadmus  to  the  Illyrians  and  the  Encheleans.  We  have  also  the  con- 
^  curling  testimony  of  Apoliodorus  in  support  of  this  son  of  Cadmus, 
^  Pblydoms,  as  king  of  Thebes.  Mr.  Jopreu.. 


400  THE  BACCHANALIANS. 

Still  to  be  numbered  with  my  dearest  children.         • 
Touching  this  chin,  no  more  shalt  thou  accost 
Thy  Grandsire  with  a  fond  enoibrace,  and  say ; 
Old  man,  who  injures  thee  ?  who  dares  to  vex 
Thy  sorrowing  heart  ?  O  speak,  that  I  may  crush 
The  author  of  thy  wrongs/'     But  now,  one  fate. 
One  direful  fate,  involves  both  me,  and  thee. 
Thy  wretched  mother,  and  her  wretched  sisters. 
If  any  impious  mortal  yet  contemns 
The  Powers  celestial,   let  him  view  the  death 
Of  Pentheus,  to  convince  him  there  are  Gods. 

CHORUS. 

For  thee  I  grieve,  O  Cadmus  :  tho'  the  fate 
Of  thy  unhappy  Grandson  was  deserved. 
Yet  'tis  to  thee  the  source  of  bitter  woe. 


BACCHUS,  CADMUS,  AGAVE,  CHORUS. 

.     BACCHUS. 
O  Father,  you  behold  how  I  am  chang'd. 
You  also,  and  Harmonia  child  of  Mars 
Whom  you  a  mortal  wedded,  must  assume 
The  form  of  Serpents  :  in  a  chariot  drawn     " 
(15)  By  oxen,  as  Jove's  oracles  pronounce. 


(15)  '^  Instead  of  ox.oy  h  fxoa^ioy  tbe  manuscripts  of  Heniy  Stephens 
^*  have  <%Xov  5?  t^x^y  which  Barnes  approves  of,  though  extremely 
**  harsh.  Reiskius  supposes  the  Moschi  to  be  here  meant,  a  barbarous 
**  nation  mcutioned  by  Herodotus  and  Strabo,  where  we  learn  that 
**  they  inhabited  the  regions  situated  on  the  banks  of  the  Phasis,  and 
<'  consequently  at  a  great  distance  from  Illyria.  There  is  no  need  of 
'*  any  alteration,  for  wiiat  obstacle  is  there  to  Cadmus  and  Hannooia 
^'  being  drawn  (at  least  accorc^ing  ip  tlie  popul^  opinion)  by  oxen  bar- 
f<  nessed  to  their  chariot  P  Nonnu$f  in  various  passages  ascribes  such  a 
*^  vehicle  to  the  Moon  ;  nor  was  the  mother  of  Cleobis  and  Biton 
'^  conveyed  in  any  otlier  manner.  Moreover,  there  was  an  autient 
'^  rumour,  that  Cadmus  himself,  when  he  fled  into  Illyria,  rode  in  a 
^^  car  drawn  by  oxen.  The  author  of  the  Etymologicum  Magnum, 
'^  under  the  word  itiOon,  Buthoe,  calls  it  a  city  of  Ulyria,  so  named 
''  from  Cadmus'  having  founded  it  when  he  hasted  in  a  cbarioft 
^  drawn  l^y  Oxen  from  Thebes  to  the  lUyrians."  Dr.  Musgjufs* 


THE  BACCHANALIANS,  407 

You  and  your  Coasort  borne  sublime,  shall  rule 
Barbarian  tribes,  and  with  unnumber'd  troops 
Jjay  many  cities  wasted  but  after  plundering 
Apollo's  temple,  shall  the  host  return 
With  evil  auspices :  yiet  Mars  will  save 
You  apd  Harmonia,  both  thenceforth  ojdain'd 
To  live  amid  the  islands  of  the  blest. 
I,  Bacchus,  from  no  human  Father  sprung. 
But  from  immortal  Jove,  to  you  announce 
These  fortunes.    If  ye  earlier  could  have  learn'd 
That  wisdom  which  your  stubborn  hearts  rejected. 
Much  bliss  had  been  your  portiop,  while  your  walU 
Contain'd  Jove's  son,  their  guardian. 

CADMUS, 

We  implore 
Thy  mercy;  we,  O  Bacchus,  have  transgress'd. 

BACCHUS. 

Too  late,  my  power  divine  have  ye  acknowledg'd ; 
For  at  the  season  when  'twas  most  important 
Ye  knew  me  not. 

CADMUS, 

Our  errors  we  confess: 
But  thou  art  too  vindictive. 

BACCHUS,  4 

Tho'  p,  God, 
By  you  wa$  I  insulted. 

CADMUS. 

In  their  wrath 
Gods  ought  not  to  resemble  men. 

BACCHUS. 

Long  since 
By  Jove  my  Father  thus  it  was  ordain'd. 

AGAVE. 

Thy  doom,  alas  1  old  man,  is  wretched  exile. 

CADMUS. 
My  Daughter,  in  what  dreadful  woes  involv'd 
Are  we,  and  you,  and  your  beloved  Sisters ! 


40S  THE  BACCHANALIANS. 

I  too,  an  aged  sojourner,  must  go 
To  those  Barbarian  tribes  ;  Heaven's  oracles 
Moreover  have  ordain'd  I  shall  invade 
My  bleeding  country  with  a  foreign  host. 
And,  chang'd  into  a  Dragon's  scaly  form, 
Harmonia,  sprung  from  Mars,  my  Consort  Iead> 
Who  shall  the  same  ferocious  shape  assume. 
To  these  polluted  altars  and  the  tombs 
Of  slaughtered  Greeks,  when  to  the  field  I  brin^ 
That  unrelenting  phalanx.     But  my  woes 
Shall  never  end,  nor  can  I  steer  my  bark 
Down  to  the  tranquil  shores  of  Acheron. 

AGAVE. 

But  I,  my  Father,  when  of  thee  bereft. 
From  Thebes  myself  will  banish. 

CADMUS. 

O  my  Daughter, 
Why  thus  with  trembling  arms  around  me  cKng, 
As  the  young  swan  to  its  decrepid  sire  ? 

AGAVE. 

Ah !  whither  turn,  an  outcast  from  my  country  i 

CADMUS. 

I  know  not,  O  my  Daughtei;:   small  relief 
Can  your  poor  Sire  afford. 

AGAVE* 

Farewell,  thou  t>^lace ; 
Farewell,  my  native  city,  thee  I  leave 
A  hapless  exile  from  my  bridal  chamber. 

CADMUS. 

To  Aristaeus'  friendly  hearth  repair. 

AGAVE. 

Of  thee  am  I  deprived. 

CADMUS. 

I  weep,  my  child. 
For  you  and  for  your  Sisters. 

AGAVE. 

Terribly, 


THE  BACCHANALUNS.  409 

Most  terribly^  hath  Bacchus  on  thy  house 
PourM  down  his  vengeance. 

BACCHUS. 

Dreadful  wrongs  from  ypu 
I  suffered,  no  due  honours  to  my  name 
Were  paid  in  Thebes. 

AGAVE. 

Farewell,  my  Sire, 

CADMUS* 

To  you 
I  also  bid  farewell,  my  wretched  Daughter, 
But  what  I  wish,  you  scarcely  can  attain. 

AGAVE. 

Conduct  me  to  my  Sisters,  ye  who  guide 
My  wretched  steps,  that  I  may  take  them  with  mo 
The  partners  of  my  flight.    For  I  will  go 
Where  the  polluted  mountain  of  Cithserou 
Ilears  not  its  summit,  ne'er  will  I  behold 
That  scene  of  horrors,  nor  recall  to  mind 
How  erst  I  bore  a  thyrsus :  let  the  rest 
Of  Bacchus'  followers  oe'r  these  rites  preside^ 

CHORUS. 

A  thousand  shapes  our  varying  Fates  assume^ 
The  Gods  perform  what  least  we  could  expect, 
And  oft  the  things  for  which  we  fondly  hop'd 
Come  not  to  pass :  Heaven  finds  a  clue  to  guide 
Our  steps  thro'  the  perplexing  maze  of  life, 
jlind  thus  doth  this  important  business  end* 


4\6  THE  CYCLOPS. 

CHORUS. 

Proceed, 
But  wherefote,  O  iny  Father,  ip  this  baste  i 

A  Grecian  vessel^  stranded  oq  tbe  coasty 
I  see,  and  to  this  cave  the  mariners'. 
Attend  their  leader,  on  theii;  heads  they  bear 
Those  empty  yesseis  which  express  tbey  want 
Provisions,  with  fresh  water  too  their  urns 
Would  they  replenish.    O  unhappy  strangers  i 
Who  are  they?  unappris'd  whfi^  Lord. here .nil$». 
Dread  Polypheme,  they  in  an  evil  hour 
Are  entering  this  inhospitable  threshold. 
And  rushing  headlong  e'en  iptO  tbe  jaws 
Of  this  fierce  Cyclops,  gorg'd.with  human  fi^. 
But  interrupt  me  not  ^  I  will  enquire 
Whence  to  Sicilian  j^tna's  mount  they  came* 

ULYSSES,  SILENUS,  CHORUS. 

ULYSSES, 

Can  ye  direct  me,  strangers,  where  to  find 
Fresh  springs  to  slake  our  thirst ;  or  who  will  sell 
Food  to  the  hungry  sailor?  But  what  means 
That  groupe  of  Satyrs,  whom  before  yon  cave 
I  see  assembled  ?  we  at  Bacchus'  city 
Seem  to  have  landed.    Thee,  the  elder-bom. 
Thee  first  I  hail. 

SILENUS. 

Hail!  foreigner;  acquaint  us 
Both  who  you  are,  and  from  what  realm  yon  Qame* 

ULYSSES. 

Ulysses  king  of  Ithaca,  and  th'  isle 
Of  Cephalen^. 

SILENUS.^ 

That  loquacious  man. 
The  crafty  brood  of  Sisiphus,  full  well 
I  know. 


THE  CYCLOPS. 


Domus  sanie  dapibusque  craentis 
Iiitus  opaca  ingens :  ipse  arduns,  altaque  pulsat 
Sidenu    Dii,  talem  terris  avcrtite  pestem !  TiaciL* 

Venustisamum  et  ab  ipsis  Gratiis  compositom  hoc  Poema. 

PlERSONI  VeRISIM1LIA« 


PERSONS  OF^THE  DRAMA. 


SILENUS. 

CHORUS  OF  SATYRS. 

VLYSSES. 

POLYPHEME  THE  CYCLOPS. 


SC]p;NE-rTH£  MOUNTAIN  OP  -ETNA  IN  $ICILY, 


'  » 


1 .-  .*  • 


i:.>l? 


THE  CYCLOPS. 

SILENUS. 

\J  Bacchus,  for  thy  sake  have  I  endur'd 

Unnumber'd  toils,  both  at  the  present  hour. 

And  when  these  nerves  by  vigorous  youih  were  strung : 

By  Juno  first  with  wild  distraction  fir'd, 

Thou  didst  forsake  the  mountain  Nymphs  whose  care 

Nurtured  thy  infancy.    Next  in  that  war 

With  the  gigantic  progeny  of  Earth, 

Stationed  beside  thee  to  sustain  thy  shield. 

Piercing  the  buckler  of  Enceladus, 

I  slew  him  with  my  lance.    Is  this  a  dream? 

By  Jove  it  b  not :  for  I  shew'd  his  spoils 

To  Bacchus,  and  the  labours  I  endure 

At  present,  are  so  great  that  they  exceed 

E'en  those«    For  since  'gainst  thee  Saturnia  rousM, 

To  bear  thee  far  away,  Etruria's  race 

Of  impious  pirates,  I  soon  caught  th'  alarm, 

And  sail'd  in  quest  of  thee  with  all  my  children  : 

Myself  the  stern  ascended,*  to  direct 

The  rudder,  and  each  Satyr  plied  an  oar 

Till  ocean's  azure  surface  with  white  foam 

Was  cover'd  ;  thee,  O  mighty  King,  they  sought. 

Nebi  Malea's  harbour  as  the  vessel  rode, 

An  Eastern  blast  arose,  and  to  this  rock 

Of  JStna,.  drove  us,  where  the  Sons  of  Neptune, 

Tfcte  One-ey'd  Cyclops,  drench'd  with  human  gore, 

Inhabit  desert  caves ;  by  one  of  these 

Were , we  made  captive^  and  beneath  his  roof 

T^  slavery  are  redue'd.    Our  Master^s  name 

Is  Polypheme ;  instead  of  Bacchus'  orgies 

We  tend  the  flocks  of  an  accursed  Cyclops. 

My  Uoomiog  Sons,  on^yonder  distant  cliffs. 

Feed  tbe  youDg  lambs ;  while  I  at  home  am  stationed 


iii^liJ.-i^.i229L^ 


414  THE  CYCLOPS- 

The  goblet  to  replenish,  and  to  scrape 

The  rugged  floor ;  to  this  unholy  lord, 

A  minister  of  impious  festivals : 

And  now  must  I  perform  the  task  assigned 

Of  cleansing  with  this  rake  the  filthy  ground. 

So  shall  the  cave  be  fit  for  his  reception. 

When  with  his  flocks  my  absent  Lord  returns. 

But  I  already  see  my  Sons  approach. 

Their  fleecy  charge  conducting.     Ha,  what  mean» 

This  uproar  ?  would  ye  now  renew  the  dance 

Of  the  ( 1 )  Sicinnides,  as  when  ye  form'd 

The  train  of  amorous  Bacchus,  and  assembled, 

Charm'd  by  the  luie,   before  Althaea's  gate  ? 

CHORUS,  SILENUS. 

CHORUS.  /        , 

ODE. 
L 

Sprung  from  an  untainted  race, 
Hardy  Father  of  the  fold. 
Why,  bounding  o'er  that  craggy  space^ 
Roam'st  thou  desperately  bold, 
Far  from  the  refreshing  gale. 
The  verdant  herbage  of  the  mead. 
And  sloping  channel  wont  to  feed 
Thy  trough  with  springs  that  never  fail  ? 

(1)  "  The  dance  peculiar  to  the  Satyric  fables  was  called  (rtxentf  either 
'<  as  xiYvii  '^  a  motion,**  some  letters  being  transposed  and  changed,  as 
**  Athenaeus  writes,  or  from  Sicinnus,  the  inventor,  according  to  the- 
'^  same  author  in  his  14th  book."  CausaboA  de  Poes.  Sat.  L.  i.  c*  4« 
Sicinnus  was,  as  Rambach  observes  in  his  note,  an  attendant  on  the 
cluldren  of  Themistocles,  a  Persian  by  biith,  who  by  his  subtlety 
merited  a  place  among  the  most  illustrious  champions  of  Greece.  The 
passage  alluded  to,  though  not  specified  by  Rambach,  is  to  be  met  with 
in  Herodotus,  L.  viii.  c  75.  p.  654,  eJ.  Wesseling.  and  gives  an  account 
of  Sicinnus  being  dispatched  by  Themistocles  to  the  fleet  of  the  Medes 
to  infonm  them  that  the  Greeks  were  flying,  which  induced  the  PersiaiB 
to  make  a  very  injudicious  disposition  of  their  forces  prenoos  to  tliA 
Q^Tal  engagement  at  Sabmis. 


THE  CYCLOPS.  415 

Yon  caves  with  bleating  lambkins  ring, 

Come^  depasture  with  the  flock  ; 

Leave,  O  leave  the  dewy  rock, 

Ere  this  ponderous  stone  I  fling. 

Thee  with  speeding  horns  I  call 

To  the  Cyclops'  lofty  stall. 

IL 
Thou  too  those  swollen  udders  yield, 

That  thy  young  ones  may  be  fed. 

Who,  while  thou  browsest  o'er  the  field. 

Lie  neglected  in  the  shed ; 

Slumbering  all  the  live-long  day 

At  length  with  clamorous  plaints  they  wake^ 

Thou  t'  appease  them'  wilt  forsake 

iEtna's  vallies  ever  gay. 

Young  Bromius  and  his  jocund  rout 

Here  their  orgies  ne'er  repeat. 

No  thyrsus  waves,  no  drums  they  beat ; 

Where  the  gurgling  currents  spout. 

Here  no  vineyards  yield  delight. 

Nor  sport  the  Nymphs  on  Nyssa's  height. 

HL 
Yet  here  I  chaunt  the  strains  which  Bacchus  taught. 

To  that  Venus  whom  I  sought 

When  with  theMsenades  I  rang'd. 

Where,  gentle  Evan,  dost  thou  tread 
Alone,  and  from  thy  comrades  far  estranged. 
Those  aubprn  ringlets  floating  from  thy  head  ? 
Thy  votary  once,  but  now  a  slave 
To  yonder  one-ey'd  Cyclops,  I  abide 
In  this  detested  cave  : 

Cover'd  with  a  goat's  vile  hide, 

Thy  Friend,  alas,  expos'd  to  scorn 

Wanders  helpless  and  forlorn. 

SILENUS. 

My  sons,  be  silent :  bid  your  followers  drive 
Their  flocks  into  the  stony  cave. 


4\6  THE  CYCLOPS. 

CHORUS. 

Proceed* 
But  wherefofe,  O  my  Father,  ip  this  baste  i 

S£L£NVS. 

A  Grecian  vessel^  stranded  oq  the  coasty 
I  see,  and  to  this  cav^  the  mariners 
Attend  their  leader,  on  their  heads  they  bear 
Those  empty  yesseis  which  express  tbey  want 
Provisions,  with  fresh  water  too  their  uma 
Would  they  replenish.    O  unhappy  strangers  i 
Who  are  they?  unappris'd  wh^^  Locd.here.nil^, 
Dread  Polypheme,  they  in  an  eyil  hour 
Are  entering  this  inhospitable  threshold. 
And  rushing  headlong  e'en  i^tO  the  jaws 
Of  this  fierce  Cyclops,  gorg'd.with  human  fi^sb. 
But  interrupt  me  not;  I  will  enquire 
Whence  to  Sicilian  j^tna's  mount  they  came* 

ULYSSES,  SILENUS,  CHORUS. 

ULYSSES. 
Can  ye  direct  me,  strangers,  where  to  find 
Fresh  springs  to  slake  our  thirst ;  or  who  will  sell 
Food  to  the  hungry  sailor?  But  what  means 
That  groupe  of  Satyrs,  whom  before  yon  cave 
I  see  assembled  ?  we  at  Bacchus'  city 
Seem  to  have  landed.    Thee,  the  elder^born^ 
Thee  first  I  hail. 

SILENUS. 

Hail!  foreigner;  acquaint  us 
Both  who  you  are,  and  from  what  realm  yon  came* 

ULYSSES. 

Ulysses  king  of  Ithaca,  and  th'  isle 
Of  Cephalen^. 

SILENUS.^ 

That. loquacious  man. 
The  crafty  brood  of  Sisiphus,  .full  well 
I  know. 


;'    ./" 


THE  CYCLOPS.  417 

ULYSSES. 

Reproach  me  not,  for  I  am  he, 

SILENUS. 

'Whence  sail'd  you  to  Sicilia  ? 

ULYSSES. 

From  the  shores 
Of  blazing  Ilion,  from  the  war  of  Troy, 

SILENUS. 

What,  knew  you  not  the  way  to  your  own  country  i 

ULYSSES* 

The  tempests  violently  drove  me  hither. 

SILENUS. 

By  Heaven^  your  fortunes  are  the  same  with  mine. 

ULYSSES. 

What,  cam'st  thou  hither  too  against  thy  will  2 

SILENUS. 

YeSj  in  pursuit  of  those  accursed  pirates 
Who  seiz'd  on  Bromius. 

ULYSSES. 

But  what  land  is  this. 
And  by  what  men  inhabited  i 

SILENUS. 

This  mountain, 
CalPd  JEtna,  overlooks  Sicilia's  plains. 

ULYSSES. 

Where  are  the  fortresses  and  lofty  towers 
Which  guard  its  peopled  cities? 

SILENUS. 

They  exist  not. 
No  men,  O  stranger,  on  these  summits  dwell. 

ULYSSES. 

But  :who  possess  the  land,  a  savage  race 
Of  beaslij?  ^ 

SILENUS. 

Th^  Cyclops  occupy  these  caves, 
They  have  no  houses. 

VOL.  II.   <  MM 

\ 


J 


418  THE  CYCLOPS. 

ULYSSES. 

Govern'd  by  what  chief  7 
Is  this  a  mete  democracy  i 

SILENUS. 

They  lead 
The  life  of  shepherds,  and  in  no  respect 
Yield  to  each  other. 

ULYSSES. 

Bo  they  sow  the  graiii 
Of  Ceres,  or  on  what  do  they  subsist? 

SILENtJS. 

On  milk,  on  cheese,  and  on  their  sheep,  they  feed* . 

ULYSSES. 

Affords  ttie  vine,  nectareous  juice,  the  drink 
Bacchus  invented  ? 

SILENUS. 
No  such  thing :  they  dwell 
In  an  ungrateful  soil,  (i) 

ULYSSES. 

But  do  they  practise 

(^)  This  dialogue  affords  by  far  the  most  satisfactory  explanation  I 
have  met  with  of  tl^nm  ayutfitir^  ZtxfXto;  in  the  Phoenissae,  which  faa» 
given  rise  to  a  great  variety  of  comments.  It  is  moreover  very  ob« 
servable^  that  this  very  island,  which  for  a  long  period  was  called  the 
great  granary  of  Europe,  and  supplied  the  Roman  empire  with  such, 
immense  quantities  of  com,  (notwithstanding  the  natural  fertility  of  its 
Soil,)  from  the  account  given,  in  Mr.  Brydone's  Tour,  of  its  present 
state,  seems  to  be  relapsing  apace  into  that  miseiy  and  indigence  in 
which  Ulysses  found  it  while  under  the  dominion  of  the  Cyclops  :  what 
Homer  says  of  its  exuberant  product  while  thus  untilled,  must  be  coo« 
sidered  as  the  language  of  a  Poet,  not  that  of  a  Philosopher;  a  nation 
who  totally  neglect  to  cultivate  their  lands, 

efoio-i  mmSoltg  tSem^t.  Od.  L.  9.  v.  lO?'. 

must  soon  reduce  the  country  they.inhabit  to  a  barren  wilderness.  Not 
the  smallest  groimds  can  I  meet  with  for  those  alterations  vriiich  Dr. 
Musgrave  t>ropo8e8  in  his  notes  on  the  Troades,  v.  235,  vdiich,  if  ad* 
mitted,  would  make  Euripides  contradict  himself  by  speaking  of  the 
frveilfvXnM  0/  iStc%,  which  vi^  by  no  means  find  to  be  the  case  in  the 
usual  reading  of  that  passage ;  he  has  likewise  I  apprehend  with  as  little 
success  laboured  to  explain  avray  the  exprefaon  cited  from  the  Phoeiussy 
in  the  beginning  of  this  note. 


THE  CYCLOPS.  419 

The  rites  of  hospitality,  and  hold 
The  stranger  sacred  i 

SILENUS. 

They  aver  the  flesh 
Of  strangers  is  a  most  delicious  food. 

ULYSSES. 

What  said'st  thou,  banquet  they  on  human  flesh  i 

SILENUS. 

Here  no  man  lands  who  is  not  doom'd  to  bleed. 

ULYSSES. 

Where  is  this  Cyclops,  in  the  cave  ? 

SILENUS. 

He  went 
To  Etna's  summit,  with  his  hounds  to  trace 
The  savage  beasts. 

ULYSSES. 

But  know'st  thou  by  what  means 
We  from  this  this  region  may  escape  ? 

SILENUS. 

I  know  not. 
But,  O  Ulysses,  I'll  do  every  thing 
To  serve  you. 

ULYSSES. 

Sell  us  bread,  supply  our  want. 

^    SILENUS. 

I  told  you  we  have  nothing  here  but  flesh. 

ULYSSES. 

By  this,  sharp  hunger,  which  makes  all  things  sweet. 
May  be  assuag'd. 

SILENUS. 

Cheese  from  the  press^  and  milk 
Of  heifers  too. 

ULYSSES. 

Produce  them :  while  the  day 
Yet  lasts,  should  we  conclude  our  merchandise.         ^ 

SILENUS. 

With  how  much  gold  will  you  repay  me  ?  speak. 

BE!; 


.  > 


420  THE  CYCLOPS. 

ULYSSES. 

No  gold  I  bring,  but  Bacchus'  cheering  juice. 

SILENUS, 
My  dearest  friend,  you  mention  what  we  long 
Have  stood  in  need  of. 

ULYSSES. 

This  enchanting  liquor 
(3)  Did  Maron,  offspring  of  the  courteoixs  Gody 
On  us  bestow. 

SILENUS. 
Whom  erst,  while  yet  a  bpy 
I  in  these  arms  sustained. 

ULYSSES. 

The  son  of  Bacchus^ 
T' inform  thee  more  minutely  who  he  is, 

SILENUS. 

Aboard  the  ship,  or  have  you  hither  brought  it  ? 

ULYSSES. 

Here  is  the  cask,  old  man,  which  thou  perceiv'ist 
Contains  the  wine. 

SILENUS. 
It  hardly  is  a  sup. 

ULYSSES. 

But  we  have  twice  as  much  as  this,  will  yield. 

SILENUS. 

A  most  delicious  spring  is  that  you  nam'd. 

(3)  Maron  was,  according  to  Homer,  Son  of  Evantheus^ 

**  Hitog,  w   fJM  c&MU  Ua^  EUBea^tog  viag,     OdysS.  L.  IX.  V.  196.. 

"  Then  took  a  goatskin  fill'd  with  precious  wine, 

^  The  gi(t  of  Maron,  of  Evantfaeus*  Iroe.  Pope. 

^  bnt  Evantheus  was  the  Son  of  Bacchus  by  Ariadne ;  thoagfa  some 
<<  tiiink  Evanthens  to  be  Bacchus  iiimself ;  and  Nonnus,  in  his  Dio- 
**  nysiaca,  calls  Maron  the  Son  of  Silcnus,  Hesiod  of  Oenopion. 
^  From  him  the  wine  of  Maron  derives  its  name ;  and  a  city  of  the 
^  Cicones  in  Thrace,  situated  en  the  shore  of  the  £g6an  sea,  is  caBed 
*'  Marona>a.  Homer  makes  this  Maron  a  Priest  of  Apollo,  and  an 
<'  i^bitant  of  Ismarus :  Athenaas  thinks  he  wis  one  of  tlit  can* 
*(  nranden  of  iha  troops  of  Bacchus.**       Barnes. 


THE  CYCLOPS.  421 

ULYSSES. 

Shall  I  first  treat  thee  with  some  wine  unmix'd> 
That  thou  may^st  taste  i 

SILENUS. 

Well-judg'd :  this  specimen 
Soon  will  induce  me  to  conclude  the  purchase. 

ULYSSES. 

A  cup  too  I  have  brought  as  well  as  cask. 

SILENUS. 

Pour  forth,  that  I  may  drink,  and  recollect 
The  grateful  taste  of  wine. 

ULYSSES. 

Look  there. 

SILENUS. 

Ye  Gods! 
How  beauteous  is  its  odour ! 

ULYSSES. 

Hast  thou  seen  it  i 

SILENUS. 

By  Jove  I  have  not,  but  I  smell  its  charms. 

ULYSSES. 

Taste^  nor  to  worcfs  alone  confine  thy  praise. 

SILENUS. 

Ha !  ha !  now  Bacchus  to  the  choral  dance 
Invites  me. 

ULYSSES. 

Hath  it  moistened  welt  thy  palate  i 

SILENUS. 

So  well  as  e'en  to  reach  my  fingers'  ends. 

ULYSSES* 

Beside  all  this>  shall  money  too  be  thine^ 

SILENUS. 

Empty  the  vessel^  and  reserve  your  gold.. 

ULYSSES. 

Bring  forth  the  cheese  and  lambs* 

SILENUS. 

That  will  I  do^ 
Regardless  of  my  Lord^  because  I  wish 


422  THE  CYCI^OPS. 

To  drain  one  goblet  of  this  wine,  and  give 
The  flocks  of  all  the  Cyclops  in  its  stead. 
(4)  I'd  from  Leucad^,  when  completely  drunk. 
Into  the  ocean  take  a  lover's  leap, 
Shutting  my  eyes.     For  he  who,  when  he  quafis 
The  mantling  bowl,  exults  not,  is  a  madman* 
Thro'  wine  new  joys  our  wanton  bosoms  fire. 
With  eager  arms  we  clasp  the  yielding  fair, 
And  in  the  giddy  dance  forget  each  ill 
That  heretofore  assail'd  us.     So  I  kiss 
The  rich  potation ;  let  the  stupid  Cyclops 
Weep  with  that  central  eye  which  in  his  front 
Glares  horribly.  [Exit  siLENUS. 

CHORUS. 

Attend  :  for  we  must  hold 
A  long  confabulation,  O  Ulysses. 

ULYSSES. 

We  meet  each  other  like  old  friends. 

CHORUS. 

Was  Troy 

(4)  The  expression  ArMu^Txrer^,  rendered  by  Barnes  tdhk  rqpe,  is  in- 
terpreted by  Heath  and  Dr.  Musgrave  as  referring  to  the  famous  Lover's 
leap  from  the  rock  of  Leucade,  which  appears,  by  the  account  given  of  it 
in  the  antient  Geographers,  to  have  been  formerly  a  part  of  Acamama, 
united  to  the  main  continent  of  Greece  by  an  istlunus,  which  the  Co- 
rinthians afterwards  dug  through,  and  made  it  an  island.  The  most  au- 
thentic accounts  of  the  antiquity  of  the  Lover*s  leap  are  such  as  render 
this  language  by  no  means  improper  in  the  mouth  of  Silenus.  Without 
insisting  on  the  testimony  of  Ovid,  who  represents  tliis  practice  as  origi* 
nating  from  Deucalion ;  upon  referring  to  Slrabo,  we  find  him  contra- 
dicting Menander,  who  calls  Sappho  the  first  who  leaped  from  Leucade, 
and  remarking  tliat  they,  who  write  more  accurately  on  antient  history, 
say  it  was  KfrpaXov  t^aa^ara  Ti'raaka,  to  Arjiovfcy;,  the  expression  is  so  dubious, 
that  critics  debate  whetlier  Cephaliis  or  Ptaola  leaped  from  the  rock  ; 
nor  is  it  material  to  my  purpose,'  which  is  mcrely.to  observe,  that  Cepha- 
lus  the  son  of  Dioneus,  liere  spoken  of  by  Strabo,  appears,  from  the 
account  given  of  Iiim  by  Pausanias,  to  have  been  Amphy trion's  comrade 
in  arms,  and  consequently  to  have  lived  at  least  two  ages  before  the 
chronological  xra  of  this  Dramatic  piece,  it  being  subsequent  to  the 
siege  of  Troy,  where  Tlepolemus^  the  Grandson  of  AmpbytrioOy  fell  by 
the  spear  of  Sarpedon. 


..*  ■*! 


H 


K  . 


THE  CYCLOPS.  423 

^y  you  subdued  ?  was  Helen  takeu  captive  ? 

ULYSSES. 

And  the  whole  house  of  Priam  we  laid  waste. 

CHORUS. 

When  ye  had  seiz'd  on  that  transcendent  fair. 
Did  ye  then  all  enjoy  her  in  your  turn. 
Because  she  loves  variety  of  Husbands  i 
False  to  her  vows,  when  she  the  painted  greave^ 
Around  the  legs  of  Paris,  on  his  neck 
The  golden  chain,  beheld,  with  love  deep  smitten 
From  Menelaus,  best  of  m^n,  she  fled. 
Ah  would  to  Heaven  no  women  had  been  boriji 
But  such  as  were  reserved  for  my  embraces. 

SILENUS  RETURNING,  ULYSSES,  CHORUS. 

SILENUS. 

Here,  King  Ulysses,  is  the  shepherd\s  food  : 
Banquet  on  bleating  lambs,  and  bear  away 
As  many  curdled  cheeses  as  you  can ; 
But  froni  these  caverns  with  your  utmost  speed 
Depart,  when  ye  have  given  me  in  return 
The  clustering  vine's  rich  juice  which  Bacchus  loves. ' 

ULYSSES. 

The  Cyclops  comes.    What  shall  we  do  ?  Old  man. 
We  are  undone.    Ah,  whither  can  we  fly  ?  ^ 

SILENUS. 

Ye  m^y  conceal  yourselves  beneath  that  rock. 

ULYSSES. 

Most  dangerous  is  the  scheme  thou  hast  propos'd, 
To  rush  into  the  toils. 

SILENUS. 

No  danger  truly ; 
For  in  this  rock  is  many  a  hiding  place. 

ULYSSES. 

Not  thus :  indignant  Troy  might  groan  indeed 
If  from  a  single  arm  we  basely  fled. 
Oft  with  my  shield  against  a  countless  band 
Of  Phrygians  have  I  fought.    If  we  must  die. 


n;aL>>' 


4S4      /  -fHE  CYCLOPS. 

i 

Let  us  die  nobly  f  or  with  life  maintain 
The  fatoe  we  ecBt  in  dubious  fields  acquired* 

POLYPHEME,  SILENUS,  chorus,  ULYSSES. 

POLYPHEME. 

What  mean  these  transports^  this  insensate  uproar. 
These  Bacchanalian  orgies?  Nyssa's  God, 
The  brazen  timbrel,  and  the  rattling  drum. 
Are  distant  from  these  regions.    In  the  cave 
How  fare  the  new-yean'd  lambkins  ?  do  they  suck. 
Or  follow  they  the  ewes  ?  have  ye  prepared 
In  wicker  vats  the  cheeses  ?    No  reply  ? 
This  club  shall  make  ye  weep  forthwith.     Look  up, 
J>fot  on  the  ground. 

CHORUS. 
We  lift  our  dazzled  eyes 
To  Jove  himself;  I  view  the  twinkling  stars 
And  bright  Orion. 

POLYFHEME. 

Is  my  dinner  ready  i 

CHORUS.  , 

It  is.    Prepare  your  jaws  for  mastication^^    /v  >>.       -  '-- 

POLYPHEME. 

Are  the  bowls  fiird  with  milk  ? 

CHORUS. 

They  overflow. 
And  you  may  drink  whole  hogsheads  if  you  will. 

POLYPHEME. 

Of  sheep,  or  cows,  or  mixt  f 

CHORUS. 

Whatever  you  please  ; 
But  swallow  not  me  too. 

POLYPHEME. 

No  certainly ; 
For  ye  would  fopt  it  in  my  tortured  paunch. 
And  kill  me  with  those  antics.    But  what  crowd 
Behold  I  in  the  stalls?   Some  thieves  or  pirates 
Are  lapded ;  at  the  mouth  of  yonder  <;ave 


THE  CYCLOPS.  425 

The  lambs  ar^  bound  with  osiers,  on  the  floor 
The  cheese«press  scatter'd  lies,  and  the  bald  head 
Of  this  old  man  is  swoll'n  with  many  bri.ises, 

SILENUS. 

An  me  !  into  a  fever  I  am  beaten. 

POLYPHEME. 

By  wbom^  old  man,  who  smote  thy  hoary  head  f  . 

SILENUS. 

O  Cyclops,  by  these  ruffians  whom  I  hindered 
From  carrying  oflf  their  plunder. 

POLYPHE^ii 

Know  they  not 
I  am  a  God  sprung  from  the  blest  Immortals  i 

SILENUS. 

All  this  I  told  them,  yet  they  seiz'd  your  goods, 
Eat  up  your  cheese  without  my  leave,  dragg'd  forth 
The  lambs,  declar'd  they  would  exhibit  you 
In  a  huge  collar  of  three  cubits  long. 
Closely  imprisoned,  and  before  that  eye, 
Which  in  the  centre  of  your  forehead  glares. 
Bore  out  your  entrails,  soundly  scourge  your  hide^ 
Then  throw  yon  into  their  swift  vessel's  hold 
Tied  hand  and  foot,  and  sell  you,  with  a  lever  \ 
To  heave  up  ponderous  stones,  or  to  the  ground 
(5)  Level  some  door. 

POLYPHEME. 

Indeed !  go  whet  the  knives 


(5)  "  Tlie  Poet,  always  niindftil  of  keeping  op  the  propriety  of  bis  eba. 
"  meters,  introduces  Silenas  alluding  to  tlie  miackiievous  exploits  vrfauk 
*^  he  had  been  accustomed  to  when  cpovenuuit  with  the  followers  of  Bac. 
*^  cbus :  so  he  here  speaks  of  throwing  down  a  door  as  a  thing  by  no  m^aiii 
"  new  to  him,  which  it  is  well  known  was  formerly  often  practised  by 
^  drunken  and  wanton  youtlM,  in  order  to  enable  them  to  force  their 
**  way  to  the  apartment  of  their  mistress,  or  jMimetimes  throuf^  nera 
**  sport"        Hbath. 

I  was  hiduced  to  translate  part  of  the  aboTe  note,  as  a  suAcieot 
support  of  the  common  readii^  against  the  coi^jectiutd  alteration  sug* 
fested  by  Dr.  Musgrave,  and  the  obvious  version,  again»t  the  §oisk^ 
cooBtmction  id  the  precedinf  editors. 


426  THE  CYCLOPS. 

Without  delay,  collect  a  mighty  pile 

Of  wood,  and  light  it  up  with  flaming  brands^ 

They  shall  be  slain  immediately,  and  broiFd 

To  satisfy  my  appetite  with  viands 

Hot  from  the  coals.    The  rest  shall  be  well  sodden  ; 

For  I  am  sated  with  unsavoury  beasts. 

Enough  on  lions  have  I  banqueted 

And  stags  that  haunt  this  mountain :  but  'tis  long 

Since  human  flesh  I  tasted. 

SILENUS. 

My  dread  lord. 
Variety  is  sweet :  no  other  strangers 
Have  reach'd  of  late  these  solitary  caves, 

ULYSSES. 

O  Cyclops,  hear  the  strangers  also  speak. 
In  their  defence.    We,  wanting  to  buy  food, 
Came  to  your  caverns  from  our  anchored  bark. 
These  Iambs  to  us  he  barter'd  for  our  wine. 
And  of  his  own  accord,  when  he  had  drank. 
Yielded  them  up  ;  no  violence  was  us'd : 
But  the  account  he  gives  is  utter  falshood. 
Since  he  was  caught  without  your  privity 
Vending  your  goods. 

SILENUS. 

I  ?  curses  on  your  head  ! 

ULYSSES. 

If  I  have  uttered  an  untruth. 

SILENUS. 

By  Neptune 
Your  Sire,  O  Cyclops,  by  great  Triton,  Nereus, 
Calypso,  Nereus'  Daughters,  by  the  waves, 
And  all  the  race  of  fishes,  I  protest. 
Most  beauteous  Cyclops,  my  dear  little  lord, 
I  sold  not  to  the  foreigners  your  goods ; 
May  swift  perdition,  if  I  did,  overtake 
These  sinners  here,  my  children^  whom  I  lov8 
Beyond  expression. 


THE  CYCLOPS.  427 

CHORUS. 

Curb  thy  tongue  :  I  saw  thee 
Vending  thy  lord's  possessions  to  the  strangers : 
If  I  speak  falshotid,  may  our  Father  perish  ! 
But  injure  not  these  foreigners. 

POLYPHEME. 

Ye  lie; 
Por  I  in  him  much  rather  would  confide 
Than  Rhadamanthus,  and  pronounce  that  he 
Is  a  more  upright  judge.     But  I  to  them 
Some   questions    would    propose.      Whence   sail'd 

strangers  ? 
Where  is  your  country  and  your  native  town  ? 

ULYSSES. 

We  in  the  realms  of  Ithaca  were  born  ; 
But  after  we  had  laid  Troy's  bulwarks  waste, 
O  Cyclops,  by  those  howling  winds  which  raise 
The  ocean's  boisterous  surges,  to  your  coast 
Our  vessel  was  impell'd. 

POLYPHEME. 

Are  ye  the  men 
Who  worthless  Helen's  ravisher  pursued 
To  Ilion's  turrets  on  Scamander's  bank  ? 

ULYSSES. 

The  same:  most  dreadful  toils  have  we  endured. 

POLYPHEME. 

Dishonourable  warfare  ;  in  the  cause 
Of  one  vile  woman,  ye  to  Phrygia  sail'd. 

ULYSSES. 

Such  was  the  will  of  Jove;  on  no  man  charge 
The  fault.     But  we  to  you,  O  generous  Son 
Of  Ocean's  CJod,  our  earnest  prayers  address, 
Nor  fear  with  honest  freedom  to  remonstrate 
That  we  your  hapless  friends,  who  to  these  caves 
For  rei'uge  fly,  deserve  not  to  be  slain 
To  satiate  with  accursed  human  food 
Your  appetite:  for  to  your  Siie,  great  King, 
Full  many  a  temple  on  the  shores  of  Greece 


4t$  THE  CYCLOPS. 

Have  we  erected ;  Tsnurus'  sacred  haven 
To  liim  remains  inviolate,  the  cliff 
Of  Malea,  Sunium  for  its  silver  mines 
Renown'dy  on  whose  steep  promontory  stands 
Minerva's  fane,  and  the  Gerastian  bay. 
But  those  intolerable  wrongs  which  Greece 
From  Troy  had  suflfery,  could  we  not  forgive. 
Our  triumph  interests  you>  who  in  a  land 
With  Greece  (6)  connected,  dwell,  beneath  the  rock 
Of  flaming  ^tna.     Let  those  public  laws 
Which  all  mankind  obey,  on  you  prevail 
To  change  your  ruthless  purpose,  and  admit 
Your  suppliants  to  a  conference,  who  have  long 
Endur'd  the  perils  of  the  billowy  deep; 
With  hospitable  gifts,  and  change  of  raiment 
Assist  us,  npr  affix  our  quivering  limbs 
On  fipits,  to  sate  your  gluttony.    Enough 
Hath  Priam's  land  depopulated  Greece, 
Whole  myriads  have  in  fighting  fields  been  slain  ; 
The  widow'd  bride,  the  aged  childless  matron. 
And  hoary  sire,  hath  Troy  made  ever  wretched. 
But  if  you  burn,  and  at  your  hateful  feasts 
Devour  the  scattered  relics  of  our  host, 
Whither  shall  any  Grecian  turn  ?  but  listen 
To  my  persuasion,  Cyclops,  and  control 
Your  gluttony.     What  piety  enjoins. 
Prefer  to  this  defiance  of  the  Gods: 
For  ruin  oft  attends  unrighteous  gain. 

SILENUS. 

Leave  not  the  smallest  morse^  of  his  flesh ; 
Take  my  advice,  and  if  you  eat  his  tongne^ 
You  certainly,  O  Cyclops,  will  become 
A  most  accomplish^  orator. 


(6)  ^  The  Greeks,  asThucydides  iofomu  vs  in  tlie  6th  book,  in- 
*  troduced  many  cokmies  into  Sicily ;  tfaoogh  not  tiQ  long  after  Ike 
^  time  of  its  being  governed  by  the  Cytikp^,  and  LMtiygMM:  iMt 
**  nch  aaticipattens  are  fiuniliar  to  the  Poets.*       BAmmSt 


THE  CYCLOPS.  42a 

POLYPHEME, 

Vile  caitifT, 
Wealth  is  the  deity  the  wise  adore^ 
But  all  things  else  are  unsubstantial  boasts. 
And  specious  words  alone.     I  nought  regard 
Those  promontories  sacred  to  my  Sire. 
Why  dost  thou  talk  of  them  ?  I  tremble  not, 

0  stranger,  at  the  thunderbolts  of  Jove, 
Him  I  account  not  a  more  powerful  God     - 
Than  I  am,  nor  henceforth  will  heed  him  :  hear 
My  reasons;  when  he  from  the  skies  sends  down 
The  rain,  secure  from  its  inclemency 

Beneath  this  rock  I  dwell,  and  make  a  feast 
On  roasted  calves,  or  on  the  savage  prey, 
Stretcht  at  my  length  supine,  then  drain  a  pitches 
Of  milk,  and  emulate  the  thunder's  sound. 
When  Thracian  Boreas  pours  his  flaky  showers. 
In  hides  of  beasts  my  body  I  enwrap, 
Approach  the  fire,  nor  heed  the  pelting  snows. 
CompelI'd  by  strong  necessity,  the  ground 
Produces  grass,  and  nourishes  my  herds. 
Whom,  to  no  other  God  except  myself. 
And  to  this  belly,  greatest  of  the  Gods, 

1  sacrifice;    Because  each  day  to  eat. 

To  drink,  and  feel  no  grief,  is  bliss  supreme. 
The  Heaven,  the  object  of  the  wise  man's  worship* 
I  leave  those  gloomy  law-givers  to  weep. 
Who  by  their  harsh  impertinent  restrictions 
Have  checkered  human  life ;  but  will  indulge 
My  genius,  and  devour  thee.    That  my  conduct 
May  be  exempt  from  blame,  tnou  shalt  receive 
As  pledges  of  our  hospitality 
The  fire,  and  that  hereditary  cauldron 
Well  heated,  which  shall  boil  thy  flesh  :  walk  in^ 
Ye  shall  adorn  my  table,  and  produce 
Delicious  meals  to  cheer  my  gloomy  cave, 
Such  as  a  God  can  relish. 


450  THE  CYCLOPS. 

ULYSSES. 

I  have  *scap'd, 
Alas,  each  danger  at  the  siege  of  Troy, 
*Scap'd  the  tempestuous  ocean  ;  but  in  vain 
Attempt  to  soften  the  unpitying  heart 
Of  him  who  spurns  all  laws.     Now,  sacred  Queen, 
Daughter  of  Jove,  now  aid  me,  O  Minerva. 
For  I  such  perils  as  far,  far  exceed 
My  Phrygian  toils,  encounter  :  and,  O  Jove, 
Dread  guardian  of  each  hospitable  rite. 
Who  sitt'st  enthroned  above  the  radiant  stars, 
Look  down:  for  if  thou  view  not  this,  tho'  deem'd 
Omnipotent,  thou  art  a  thing  of  nought. 

lExeunt  FOhYTUEME,  ULYSSES,  Otid  SILHIfUS. 
SEMICHORUS  I. 

That  insatiate  throat  expand, 
BoiPd  and  roast  are  now  at  hand 
For  thee,  O  Cyclops,  to  devour : 
From  the  coals  in  evil  hour 
Yet  reeking,  shall  thy  teeth  divide 
The  limbs  of  each  unhappy  guest. 
To  thy  table  serv'd  when  drest 
In  dishes  formed  of  shaggy  hide, 
O  betray  me. not,  my  friend. 
For  I  on  you  alone  depend : 
Now  approach  the  shades  of  night, 
Launch  the  bark,  and  aid  our  flight. 

SEMICHORUS  II. 
Thou  cave,  and  ye  unholy  rites. 
Adieu,  the  Cyclops*  curst  ddigbts. 
Who  on  his  prisoners  wont  to  feed, 
Haih  banish'd  pity  from  his  breast. 
Inhuman  execrable  deed  ! 
On  his  own  hearth,  the  suppliant  guest. 
Regardless  of  the  Lares'  guardian  powers. 
Now  he  slays,  and  now  devours : 
Hot  from  the  coals,  with  odious  jaws. 
Human  flesh  the  miscreant  gnaws. 


THE  CYCLOPS.  431 

ULYSSES,  CHORUS. 

ULYSSES. 

How,  mighty  Jove !  shall  I  express  myself  I 
(7)  The  dreadful  scenes  I  in  the  cave  have  ViewU 
Are  so  astonishing,  they  more  resemble 
Some  fable  than  the  actions  of  a  man. 

CHORUS. 

What  now,  Ulysses,  on  your  lov'd  companions 
Feasts  this  most  impious  Cyclops  ? 

ULYSSES. 

Two,  the  fattest. 
Having  well  view'd,  and  pois*d  them  in  his  hands—- 

CHORUS. 
How  did  you  bear,  O  miserable  man. 
These  cruel  outrages  ? 

ULYSSES. 

Soon  as  we  enter'd 
The  rocky  cave,  he  lighted  first  the  fire, 
On  the  wide  blaze  heap'd  trunks  of  lofty  oaks, 
A  load  sufficient  for  three  wains  to  bear ; 
Then  near  the  flaming  hearth,  upon  the  ground. 
Arranged  his  couch  of  pine  leaves,  filFd  a  bowl. 
Holding  about  ten  firkins,  with  the  milk 
Of  heifers,  and  beside  it  plac'd  a  jug 
Adorn'd  with  ivy,  the  circumference  seem'd 
Three  spacious  ells,   the  depth  no  less  than  four  : 

(7)  "  It  seems  not  only  inconsistent  with  historical  faith,  but  also 
^  y^iih  reason,  that  Ulysses  should  now  be  able  to  wander  forth  from 
**  the  cave  of  the  Cyclops ;  but  it  was  absolutely  necessary  that  the 
*^  spectators  should  be  acquainted  witli  the  transactions  going  on  within, 
**  and  the  projects  formed  by  Ulysses.  Wlierefore,  the  Cyclops  not 
«  being  yet  fallen  asleep,  it  is  to  be  supposed  the  cave  was  not  shut  up, 
"  but  some  passage  left  open  for  Ulysses,  whom  the  Cyclops  said  he 
*'  would  devour  last  of  all ;  but  that  his  comrades  being  cooped  up  were 
'<  unable  to  follow  him:  being  at  liberty,  he  would  however  by  no 
«  means  fly  without  them,  but  was  determined  either  to  die  or  escape 
^  together:  see  v.  478.  Thus  much  was  it  proper  to  say  for  the  sake 
^  of  Eoiijpides,  who  though  he  in  this  matter  somewhat  difier  irom 
^  Hamer,  lay  imder  a  necessity  of  accommodating  his  feble  to  the 
^  itage."       Barnes. 


48«  THE  CYCLOPS. 

Then  made  his  cauldron  bubble,  and  reach'd  down 

Spits  burnt  at  the  extremities,  and  polish'd 

Not  with  a  knife,   but  hatchets  ;  iEtna  furnish'd 

Such  instruments  for  sacrifice,  the  stems 

Of  (8)  thorn*     No  sooner  had  the  hellish  cook 

Finish'd  his  preparations,   than  he  seiz'd 

Two  of  my  valiant  comrades,  whom  he  slew 

With  calm  deliberation  ;  one  he  cast 

Into  the  hcillow  cauldron;  from  the  ground 

Then  lifting  up  his  fellow  by  the  foot 

Dash'd  out  his  brains  against  the  pointed  rock; 

Severing  his  flesh  with  an  enormous  knife, 

Part  at  the  fire  he  roasted,  and  to  boil. 

His  other  joints  into  the  cauldron  tiirew* 

But  I,  tho'  from  these  eyes  full  many  a  tear 

Jiurst  forth,  approach'd  the  Cyclops,  and  on  hiiu 

Attended,  while  my  friends,   like  timorous  birds 

]  urk'd  in  the  distant  crannies  of  the  rock, 

jAnd  all  the  blood  forsook  their  pallid  frame. 

When  sated  with  his  feast  the  monster  lay 

Supine,  and  snor'd,  a  thought  by  Heaven  inspired 

EnterM  this  bosom  ;  having  fill'd  a  cup 

With  Maron's  juice  unmingled,  I  to  him 

Bore  it,  that  he  might  drink  ;   and  cried,  '^  Behold 

"  O  Cyclops,  Son  of  Neptune,  how  divine 

*'  The  beverage  which  our  Grecian  vineyards  yield^ 

'*  The  stream  of  Bacchus**    But  already  glutted 

With  his  abominable  food,  he  seiz'd 

^  (8)  In  my  version  of  this  passage  I  have  principally  availed  myself  of 
Heatii's  readings  and  interpretation ;  tlie  word  which  I  have  rendered 
thorn  is  in  the  Greelc  noXwco;,  a  tree  whose  branches  appear  to  have  been 
of  a  tough  and  flexible  nature,  from  Strabo's  speaking  of  the  lYoglodytes 
as  binding  the  necks  and  feet  of  their  dead  Poo^u;  maSwftms,  Virgil,  in 
his  Georgics,  describes  the  Paliuiiis  as  of  a  prickly  nature,  and  sptinpsig 
up  upon  uncultivated  land.    Carduus  et  spuiis  surgit  PaUurus  acutis, 

^  Knotty  burrs  ami  thorns  disgrace  the  ground."    Dryden* 

In  Martinis  comnent  on  this  passage,  and  Miller's  Gardener's  Dietiomuyy 
^e  find  it  given  as  their  opinion,  that  the  Paliunis  of  the  antieiits  was 
^  shrub  now  called  Christ-Uiorn, 


THE  CYCLOPS.  431 

And  emptied  the  whole  bumper  at  one  draught. 

Then  lifting  up,  in  token  of  applause. 

His  hand  ;  '^  O  dearest  stranger/*  he  exclaimM, 

*^  To  a  delicious  banquet  thou  hast  added 

*'  Delicious  wine.'*     Perceiving  he  greW-  merry 

I  plied  him  with  a  second  cup,  well  knowing 

That  wine  will  stagger  him  :  he  soon  shall  feel 

Such  punishment  as  he  deserves.     He  sung; 

I  pour'd  forth  morie  and  more,  to  warm  hiis  bowels 

With  strong  potations:  *midst  my  weeping  crew 

He  makes  the  cave  with  unhiirmonious  strains 

Re-echo.     But!  silently  came  forth, 

And,  if  ye  give  consent,  design  to  save 

You,  and  myself,     ifeay  therefor^,  will  ye  fly 

From  this  unsocial  monster,  and  reside 

With  (9)  Grecian  maids  beneath  the  roofs  of  Bac^cfeui^. 


(9)   Dr.  Mtl8g;rave  having  in  his  edition  removed  the  Aldus  readitm; 
of  Aayflu^,  and  Bobstitiited  that  of  N<m^,  ftr  wfakh  &e  i^rodiicei^no  oth^ 
antiiority  than  the  cOnjbcturie  of  Cau^on ;,  it  qifejr  ii#t  bte  iin^ro|>e»  io 
lay  before  the  reader  the  folloiving  note  of  Barnes :  ''  Thus  have  I  left 
**  the  text  unchanged  as  it  formerly  stood,  not  but  that  Isaac  CauMbon 
*^  wiUi  great  acuteness  reads  No!^,  nor  betanse  the  Naiades  virere  not 
<<  the  associates  of  Bacchus,  nor  that  the  Danaides  (Daughters  of  Danaii») 
*^  have  any  thing  to  do  here,  but  because  Ulysses  does  not  promise  to 
*'  conduct  the  Satyrs  to  these  Nymphs,  the  Naiades  :  (for  how  could  he, 
<<  being  unacquainted  ivith  the  place  of  their  residence  ?)  but  because 
<*  he  meant  to  remove  them  from  Sicily  to  Greece,  where  the  worship 
^  of  BaochvB  waft  esttiblislied,  and  Grecian  maids  (not  the  Daughteiii 
t*  of  DaiMius)  celebrated  his  rites.     I  admire  Causabon,   I  embnUje 
*'  Scahger ;  but  it  behoves  me  not  to  plice  implicit  trust  in  the  great 
^  names  of  any  men,  however  learned.''    The  versions  I  liave.  referred 
to,  from  Camillus  down  to  Carmelli,  accord  witli  Barnes  in  his  mt^rpre- 
iatiop  of  the  v^ords :  nor  does  Dr.  Musgrave  in  hi«  note  aissent  from 
them  in  that  respect,  but  attempts  to  prove  the  absolute  necessity  of  an 
alteration,  from  the  Satyrs  who  compose  tiie  Chonis  being  utter  stiaiigers 
to  *  th6  Grecian  maids:"  adiiiittiag  this  circumstance,  the  object  seems 
,  to  carry  MtA  it  no  forcfe  whatever,  as  the  words  are  not  put  into  thdr 
motiths,  bOt*  into  the '  mouth  of  Ulysses,  who  proceeds  in  a  subsequent 
^>eecij  mote  direfctly  to  promise,  what  at  the  close  of  the  piece  he.  is 
flupi^osed  to  €Hfet,  that  he  will  convey  the  Satyrs  with  him  in.  lus  8li[^ 
ttim  Steily  to  Greece. 
,    TOJ.  II.  F  F 


434  THE  CYCLOPS. 

Your  Sire  within  approves  of  these  proposal  : 

But  now  grown  feeble  and  overcharged  with  wine. 

Attracted  by  the  goblet,  as  if  bird-lime 

Had  smear'd  his  wings,  be  wavers.     But  with  me, 

Uo  thou  preserve  thyself,  for  thou  art  young: 

And  I  to  Bacchus,  to  thy  antient  friend 

Far  different  from  this  Cyclops,  will  restore  thee. 

CHORUS.       , 

My  dearest  friend,  O  could  we  see  that  day. 
And  'scape  yon  impious  monster !  for  we  long 
Have  been  depriv'd  of  the  enlivening  bowl,    .  . 
Nor  entertain  a  single  hope  of  freedom. 

ULYSSES. 

Now  hear  the  means  by  which  I  can  requite 
This  odious  savage,  and  thou  too  may'st  'scape 
From  servitude. 

CHORUS. 

Speak,  for  we  should  not  heai* 
The  sound  of  Asia's  harp  with  more  delight. 
Than  the  glad  tidings  of  the  Cyclops'  death. 

ULYSSES. 

By  wine  enliven'd,  he  resolves  to  go 
And  revel  with  his  brethren. 

CHORUS. 

I  perceive 
You  mean  to  seize  and  kill  him  when  alone, 
(10)  By  some  enchantment,  or  to  d&sh  him  headlong 
From  the  steep  rock. 

« 

(10)  A  variety  of  proposed  alterations  are  enumerated  by  Barnes  ia 
his  note  on  the  word  ftjBfAMn,  which  he  and  most  editors  have  inserted  in 
their  text  from  the  Aldus  edition .  ^jnp-i,  loris,  was  discovered  by  Henry 
Stephens  in  some  antient  manuscripts ;  others,  he  says^  but  not  with  bis 
concurrence,  read  p^^  ov,  which  they  explain  uno  ictu  :  ^vyfMn,  in  lit- 
toribus,  is  the  conjecture  of  Brodacus  and  Duport^  fwrjucattr*  tractionibuSy 
of  Scaliger  and  Causabon ;  nor  have  later  critics  been  backward  in 
furnishing  their  quota :  Caimelli  proposes  either  to  continue  the  reading 
of  f/uefMun,  and  to  render  it  rationibus,  or  to  substitute  in  its  place  }^uri, 
Iqiidibas;  Reiskius  prefers  gwy^o,  in  praecipitiis ;  Mr.  Tyrwhitt  and 


THE  CYCLOPS.  435 


I  ,  I 


ULYSSES^  f       ,   : 

:'  I  bave  no  such  design  .    .. 

As  these :  on  cr^t  alone  my  plan  depends. 

CHORUS. 

How  then  will  you  proceed :  For  we  long  since 
Have  heard  that  you  for  wisdom  are  renown'd. 

ULYSSES* 

I  will  deter  him  fronl  the  feast^  and  say 
He  must  not  portion  out  among  the  Cyclops 
This  liquor,  but  reserve  it  for  himself 
And  lead  a  joyous  life  :  when  overcome 
By  Bacchus'  gifts  he  sleeps,  this  sword  shall  point 
An  olive  pole>  which  to  my  purpose  suited 
Lies  in  the  cave  t  I  in  the  fire  will  heat. 
And,  when  it  flames,  direct  the  hissing  brand 
Full  on  the  Cyclops'  forehead,  to  extinguish 
The  orb  of  sight.    As  when  some  artist  frames  i 

A  nautic  structure,  he  by  thongs  directs        • 
The  pondrous  augre ;  thus  will  I  whirl  round 
Within  the  Cyclops'  eye  the  kindled  staff. 
And  scorch  hi^  visual  nerve. 

CHORUS,  , 

Ho!  I  rejoice; 
This  blest  invention  almost  makes  me  frantic. 

ULYSSES. 

Thee,  and  thy  friends,  and  thy  decrepid  Sire, 
This  done,  aboard  my  vessel  will  I  place. 
And  from  this  region  with  a  double  tier 
Of  oars  convey. 

CHORUS. 

But  is  it  possible 

I         ...    - 

Dr.  Miisgrave  i^fxavn,  in  sylvis.  Amidst  aU  thij^diTersity  ofopinioni, 
my  principal  inducement  for  giying  the  preference  to  the  antient  readii^ 
and  interpretation  of  p^JAJOuri,  tbiyttmm  Vel '  carminibus,  arises  from  its 
appearing  to  me  greatly  strengthened  by  the  Chorus  saying  after- 
wards, ?•  642,  oti*  muiKf  o^m;,  scio  ^icantaUonem  Qrphei,  and  sfipposing 
that  by  this  incantation  the  flammg  brand  might  be  caused  to  fiitt^on  th« 
Cyclops' eye.        .    '    •''  "  ''  ''   '"''"  ""  ^ 


45«  THE  CYCLOPS,       , 

That  I;  as  if  dread  Jove  wei*^  my  confederate. 
Shall  guide  the  weU-pois*d  brand>  and  of  his  eye-sight 
Deprive  the  liidtister  I  For  I  wish  to  sli]are<^ 
In  such  assassination. 

I  expect 
Your  aid  :  the  brand  is  weighty,  and  require! 
Our  social  efforts.  '         :' 

rd'sdstoiti  a  load 
Equal  to  what  Itn  fanned  red  ti^amfi  conveys   , 
Could  I  dash  out  the  cursed  Cyclops'  ejfi^  '   i  ;    ..         ' 
E'en  as  a  sWartn  of  wasps.«  •' 

ULYSSES. 

Be  silent  now^  ■ 
(Ye  know  my  stratagem)  and  at  my  bidding      "■-'    ; 
To  those  wh©  o^er  th'  adventurous  scheliie  preside^ 
Yield  prompt  obedrence:   for  I  scorn  tokaie      • 
My  friends  Within^'  and  save  this  single  life. 
True,  'scape  I  might,  already  having  pas^li 
The  cavern's  deep  recess  :   but  it  were  meani 
If  I  should  extricate  myself  alone. 
False  to  the  faithful  partners  of  my  voyage. 

CHORUS. 

Who  first,  who  next,  with  steadfast  hand 
Ordain'd  to  guide  the  flaming  brand, 
The  Cyclops'  radiant  eye  shall  pierce?-    ■ 

SEMICHORUS  I. 

Silence  !  for  from  withiH  a  song 

Bursts  on  my  ear,  in -tunleless  verise. 

Insensate  minstrel,  doom'd  ere  long 

This  luxurious  meal  to  riie. 

He  staggers  from  yojo  .rppky  cave.  ']  .     '    ; 

Him  let  us  te«elv  who  never  knew  i  * 

How'at  the' batiqiiet  to' behave, 

Outrageous  arid  urimahnerM  hind, 

Soon  shall  he  totally  M  Uind. 


THE  CYCLOPS.  43T 

SEMICHORUS  IL  ^'  •  ; 

Thrice  blest  is  he,  in  careless  play 

^Midit  Baccbuss-  orgies  ever  gay,      .     .  *  j 

Stretcht  near  the  sociai  bpapd  whence  glides 

The  vine's. rich  juice  tin  purple  tidei. 

Who  fondly  clasps  with  eager  arms 

The  consenting  virgin's  charms ;    . 

Rich  perfumes  CQnspii^  to  shed 

Sweetest  odours  on  bis  head^ 

While  enamour'd  of  the  fair  ; 

He  wantons  with  ber  auburn  hair. 

But  hark!  for  Imj rely. 'xis  our  mate 

Exclaiming,  "  Who  wiij  loipel  thfe  g%te  V      .:      / 

POLYPHEMEi  JIJ-YSSISS;  ^JJLEINUS,  CftpR^JS, 

POLYPHEME.  .       ! 

Ha  !  ha  !   I  am  replete  witji  wine,  the  banquet 
Hath  tjheer'd  my  sogl :  Jifce  a  wellrfreightjed  ship 
My  stomach's  with  abundant  viands  $tQw*d  : .  . 
Up  to  my  very  chin.     This  wiliog  turf 
Invites  me  to  paitUke  a  vetnal  feast 
With  my  Cyclopean  bi|«ill>ers.    Stmnger;  Wngj  .    =     j 
.  That  vessel  from  the  c^ve.      -  [Exit  ulysses, 

H:  CHORDiS.  ' 

.  /  WMh  bright-ey'd  grace 
Our  master  issues  froiH  bis  spacious  ball;        .  . 
(Some  God  approves — the  kindled  torphh-)  that  forHj 
Equals  the  lustre  of  a  bloQinipg, nymph 
Fresh  from  the  dripping  oavcptJs  of  the  main. 
Soon  shall  the  variegated  wreath  adiim    ;  :.;     . 
Your  temples. 

ULYSSES  rduming. 

Hear  me,  Cyclops;  well  I  knQW  >  .     :    ' 
Th'  effect  of  this  potatioii,  S^ochus'  gift^ 
Which  I  to  you  dispensed.  .  ! 

POLYPHJEME. 

. ,  Yet  say  Iwbat  »©rl.  !>  } 


4SS  THE  CYCLOPS. 

Of  God  is  Bacchus  by  his  votaries  deemM  ? 

ULYSSES. 

The  greatest  source  of  pleasure  to  mankiDd.' 

POLYPHEME. 

I  therefore  to  my  palate  find  it  sweet.  .  i 

ULYSSES. 

A  God  like  this  to  no  man  will  do  wrong. 

'  POLYPHEME.  i 

But  in  a  bottle  how  can  any  God 
Pelighl;  to  dwell  ? 

ULYSSES. 

In  whatsoever  place 
We  lodge  him,  the  benignaint  Power  resides. 

POLYPHEME. 

The  skins  of  goats  are  an  uqseemly  lodging; 
For  Deities. 

ULYSSES.  -  . 

If  you  admire  the  wine. 
Why  quarrel  with  its  case  i 

POLYPHEWIE. 

Those  filthy  bides 
I  utterly  detest,  but  love  the  liquor. 

ULYSSES. 

Stay  here;  drink,  drink,  O  Cyclops,  atidbegay, 

POLYPHEME. 

This  luscious  beverage,   must  I  not  impart 
To  cheer  my  brothers  ? 

ULYSSES. 

Keep  it  to  yourself 
And  you  shall  seem  more  honourable. 

POLYPHEME. 

More  useful. 
If  I  distribute  l^gely  to  my  friends. 

•  ULYSS^. 

Broils,  taunts,  and  discord  from  the  banquet  rise. 

POLYPHEME. 

Tho'  I  auji  foddled,  no  man  dares  to  touch  me. 


THE  CYCLOPS.  43J)   . 

ULYSSES.  ' 

He  who  liath  drunk  too  freely,  O  my  friend. 
Ought  to  remain  at  home. 

POLYPHEME. 

Devoid  of  reason 
Is  he  who  when  he  drinks  pays  no  regard 
To  mirth  and  to  good  fellowship. 

.   ■.    .'    '      ULYSSES. 

More  wise, 
O'ercharg'd  with  wine,  who  ventures  not  abroad. 

POLYPHEME. 

Shall  we  stay  here  ?  What  think*st  thou,  O  Silcnus? 

SILENUS. 

With  all  my  heart.     What  need,  for  our  carousals. 
Of  a  more  numerous  company? 

POLYPHEME. 

The  ground 
Beneath  our  feet,  a  flowery  turf  adorns. 

SILENUS. 
O  how  delightful  'tis  to  drink,  and  bask 
Here  in  the  sun-shine :  on  this  grassy  couch 
Beside  me  take  your  seat.. 

POLYPHEME. 

W  hy  dost  thou  place 
The  cup  behind  my  elbow? 

SILENUS. 

Lest  some  stranger 
Should  come  and  snatch  the  precious  boon  away. 

POLYPHEME. 

Thou  mean'st  to  tope  clandestinely  :  between  us 
Here  let  it  stand.— O  stranger,  by  what  name 
Say  shall  I  call  thee  ? 

ULYSSES. 

(11)  Noman  is  my  name. 

(11)  The  quiblsles  on  the  word  Ovn;,  '^  no  man,"  bodi  here  and  again 
from  V.  668  to  671,  are  very  closely  copied  from  Homer,  Odyss.  L«  9, 
V.  366-410. 


440  THE  CYCLOPS. 

But  for  what  favour  shall  I  praise  your  kinduess. 

POLYPHEME. 

Thee  last  of  all  the  crew  will  I  devour, 

ULYSSES. 
A  wondrous  privilege  is  this,  O  Cyclops, 
Which  on  the  stranger,  you  bestow. 

POLYPHEME. 

What  meanest  thou  ? 
Ha!  art  thou  drinking  up  the  wine  by  stealth  ? 

8ILENUS. 
Only  the  gentle  Bacchus  gave  that  kiss. 
Because  £  look  so  blooming. 

POLYPHEME. 

Thou  shalt  weep. 
Because  thy  lips  were  to  the  wine  apphed, 

Mor  did  it  seek  thy  mouth* 

SILENUS. 

Mot  thus,  by  Jove; 
I  drank  because  the  generous  God  of  wine 
Dcclai'd  that  he  admii'd  me  for  my  beauty. 

POLYPHEME. 

Pour  fo^th  ;  give  me  a  bumper. 

SILENUS. 

I  must  taste 
To  see  what  mixture  it  requires. 

POLYPHEME. 

Damnation ! 
Give  it  me  pure. 

siu:nus. 

Not  fi(0,  the  Heavens  forbid  I 
Till  you  the  wreath  bind  on  your  ample  front. 
And  I  a^ain  have  tasted. 

POLYPHEME. 

What  a  knave 
Is  this  my  cup-bearer ! 

SILENUS^ 

Accuse  me  not ; 


THE  CYCLOPS.  44^ 

The  wine.^  sweety:  .yout>aght  to  wipe  your  nioath 
Before  you  drink. 

JPOLYPHEMfi. 

w-.My  lips  and  beard  are  clean. 

.  SIIiENUS.  ) 

HM  thus  upon  your  elb<)w  with  a  grace,  f 

Drink  as  you  see  nle  drink,  and  imitate  / 

My  every  gesture.      -  *  / 

FOLYPHEME.  / 

What  art  thou  about?  t 

BILENVS. 

I  swallow'd  then  a  most  delicious  bumper. 

POLYPHEME. 

Take  thou  the  cask,  O  stranger,  and  perforin 
The  oflSce  of  my  cnp-bearer. 

ULYSSES. 

These'hands 

» 

Have  been  accustom'd  to  the  pleasing  office. 

POLYPHEME. 

Now  pour  it  forth, 

ULYSSES. 

Be  silent:  I  obey. 

POLYPH£»f£. 
Tho^  hast  proposed  a  difficult  restraint 
To  him  who  largely  drinks. 

ULYSSES. 

Now  drain  the  bowl ;     \ 
Leave  nought  behind  :  the  toper  must  not  prate 
Before  his  liquor'fl  ended* 

POLYPHEME.  i  .   i 

In  the  vine 
There's  wisdom. 

ULYSSES.  j 

When  to  plenteous  food  ydu  add   ; '  . 
An  equal  sharejOf  Uquor,  and  well  drench  , '  /! 

The  throat  beyond  what  thirst  demands,  you  itink 
Into  sweet  sleep :  but  if  you  leave  behind  •* 


f 


/ 


44€  THE  CYCLOPS. 

Aught  of  th' unfinished  beverage  in  your  cup, 
Bacchus  will  scorch  your  entrails. 

POLYPHEMa 

Tis  a  mercy 
(12)  How  I  swam  out;  tfce  very  Heavens  whirl  round 
Mingled  with  earth.     I  view  Jove's  throne  sublidre^  • 
And  the  whole  synod  of  engirding  Gods.      .  ■  .  j.. 
Were  all  the  Graces  to  solicit  me,  -     /.   .  » 

I  would  not  kiss  them  i  Gimymede  himself 
Appears  in  matchless  beauty, 

.  SILENUS. 

I,  O  Cyclops,.  i 

Am  Jove's  own  Ganymede. 

POLYPHEME.  ^ 

By  Heaven  thou  art! > 
Whom  from  the  realms  of  I)ardanus  I  bore. 

[Exit  POLYPHEME. 

•sju!:nus.    -  •     •  .-  -■ 

Ruin  awaits  me» 

CHORUS. 

Dost  thou  loath  him  now  f 

SILENUS. 

Ah  me!  I  frbm  this  sleep  shall  soon  behold 
The  most  accurs'd  effet*ts.  \iExit  siLB^us. 

ULYSSES. 

•  CoHie  on,  ye  Sons 
Of  Bacchns>  generous  youths ;  for  soon  dissolved 
In  slumber  shall  the  monster  from  those  jaws 
Vomit  fortli  flesh,  within  the  hall  now  smokes 
The  brand,  and  nought  remains  but  to  burn  out 
The  Cyclops'  eye :  act  only  like  a  man. 

(It)  This  langnage,  as  Barnes  and  CanyieUi  both  observe,  is  extremelj'- 
natnnil  in  the  moutli  of  a  drunken  man,  who  frpm  the  giddiness  of  his 
head,  and  the  effects  of  tlie  fumes  of  the  wine  on  his  senses,  imagines  he 
has  been  pkingedinto  the  sea,  and  is  ^ith  ^at  difficulty  jost  escaped 
from  thence.  It  appeared  expedient  to  me  to  omit  a  line  and  half  atthb 
-dose  of  this  speech. 


THE  CYCLOPS.  443 

CHORUS, 

The  firmness  of  my  soul  shall  equal  rocks 
And  adamant.     But  go  into  the  cave 
With  speed,  before  tumultuous  sounds  assail 
Our  aged  Father's  ears ;  for,  to  effect 
Your  purpose,  all  is  ready. 

ULYSSES. 

Vulcan,  King 
Of -Sltna,  from  this  impious  pest,  who  haunts 
Thy  sacred  mountain,  free  thyself  at  once. 
By  burning  out  his  glaring  eye  ;  and  thou 
Nurtur'd  by  sable  J^ight,  O  Sleep,  invade 
With  thy  resistless  force  this  beast  abhorred 
By  Heaven  ;  nor  after  all  the  glorious  deeds 
AtchievM  at  Ilion,  with  his  faithful  sailors. 
Destroy  Ulysses'  self,  by  him  who  heeds 
Nor  God  nor  mortal.     Else  must  we  hold  Fortune 
A  Goddess,  and  all  other  Deities  ^        . 

Inferior  to  resistless  Fortune's  power.     [Exit  ULYSSS^« 

CHORUS. 

The  neck  of  him  who  slays  his  guest. 
With  burning  pincers  shall  be  presrt. 
And  fire  bereaving  him  of  sight. 
Soon  shall  destroy  that  orbof  light. 
Within  the  embers  near  at  hand 
Lies  concealed  a  sn^^aking  brand, 
Torn  from  its  parental  tree* 
Maron,  we  depend  on  thee ; 
May  th'  exasperated  foe 
With  success  direct  the  blow  I 
May  the  Cyclops  lose  his  eye. 
And  curse  his  ill-tim'd  jolity  !. 
Thee,  Bromius,  how  I  long  to  meet 
Thy  front  adorn'd  with  ivy  twine ; 
Leaving  this  abhorr'd  retreat. 
Ah>  when  shall  such  delight  he  mine  I 


444  THE  CYCLOPS. 

ULYSSES,  CHORUS. 

ULYSSES, 

Be  silent^  O  ye  savages,  restrain 
Those  clamorous   tongues:   by  Heaven  ye  ^all   not 

breathe,  ! 

Nor  wink  your  eyes,  nor  cough,  lest  ye  awalfen 
This  pest,  the  Cyclops,  ere  be  of  his  eye-sight 
Is  by  the  fire  berefu 

CHORUS. 

We  will  be  silent^ 
And  in  our  jaws  confine  the  very  air. 

ULYSSES. 

The  pond'rous  weapon  seize  with  dauntless  hands. 
Entering  the  cavenn;  for  'tis  fully  heated. 

CHORUS. 
AVill  you  not  give  directions  who  shall  first 
Manage  the  glowing  lever,  and  burn  out 
The  Cyclops'  eye,  that  in  one  common  fortune 
We  alt  may  share. 

SEMICHORUS  I. 

We  who  before  the  portals 
Are  stationed,  are  not  tall  enough  to  drive 
Full  on  its  destin'd  mark  the  hissing  brand. 

SEMICHORUS  II. 
But  I  am  with  a  sudden  lameness  seiz'd, 

SEMICHORUS  I. 

The  same  calamity  which  you  experience 
To  me  hath  also  happen'd  ;  for  my  feet 
Are  by  convulsions  tortur'd,  tho'  the  cause 
I  know  not. 

ULYSSES. 

If  ye  feel  such  dreadful  spasms. 
How  can  ye  stand  ?  • 

CHORUS.  ' 

Our  eyes  are  also  fill'd 
With  dust  or  ashes. 


THE  CYCLOPS.  *« 

ULYSSKS. 

These  allies  of  mine 
Are  worthless  cowards. 

CHORUS. 
.    We  forsooth  want  courage 
Because  we  feel  compassion  for  onr  shoulders. 
Nor  would  be  beaten  till  our  teeth  drop  out. 
But  I  a  magic  incantation  know, 
Devis'd  by  Orpheus,  which  hath  such  effect. 
That  of  its  own  accord  the  brand  shall  pierce 
The  skull  of  him,  the  one-ey'd  Son  of  Earth.  (13) 

ULYSSES. 

Long  have  I  known  ye  are  by  nature  such  ; 
But  more  than  ever  do  I  know  you  now. 
On  my  own  friends  I  therefore  must  rely. 
Yet  if  thou  hast  no  vigour  in  that  arm. 
Exhort  my  drooping  friends  to  act  with  valour 
And  let  thy  counsels  aid  the  bold  emprise. 

[Exit  ULYSSES. 
CHORUS. 

Such  be  my  province  :  we  this  Carian's  life  (14) 

(13)  '^  ApoIIoniiis  Rhodins,  in  the  first  book  of  his  Argonautics,  calls 
^'  Polypheme  the  Cyclops,   son  of  Ncpdine  and  Europa,   daughter  of 
'^  Tityus;  but  Audron  of  TeYum,  Possidonius,  and  ApoUodorus  relate, 
'<  ^t  Polypheme  was  son  to  Elatiis  one    of  the  Lupiths  and  the 
*^  Nymph  Stilbe ;  Conon,  in  his  Heraclca,  calls  him  the  sou  of  EUsus 
*^  and  Amymone.   But  we  must  either  say  that  thete  authors  confounded. 
^'  Polypheme  the  Ai|;onRnt  with  the  Cyclops,  or  give  tlie  entire  pre- 
**  fcrence  to  the  authority  of  Homer,  who  assigns  to  hiin  Neptune  for 
'*  lather,  and  Thoosa  daughter  of  Phorcysfor  mother.    Euripides  also. 
^.  caUb  Neptune,  the  ikthcr  of  Polypheme,  nor  doUi  he  deny  that  Hiooea, 
*^  WW  hit  mother;  but  calls  Llie  Earth  hiii  motlier,  because  tUei  Earth.. 
^  produced  Giants  like  him  ;  tlie  enemies  of  the  Gods."         Barnjes* 

(14)  ^  The  Carians,  according  to  Mian^  in  lus  history  of  Animals, 
^  L.  12,  c.  30,  and  Lycophron,  v.  1384,  w£re  tlie  first  nation  that, 
^  ever  fought  for  hire ;  whence  a  Carian  among  tlic  antients  has  mucij^ 
<<  the  same  signification  with  a  .mercenary  soldier.  Hence  arises  tbet, 
**  proyerb  «  w  Kof^  juy^n/Wy  when  any  person  in. making  an  experiment 
^  hasards  the  life  of  toother.  Hesychius  informs  m^.  that  th^  expression. 
"  is  principally  made  use  of  in  freaking  of  those  who  eixpose  incancr 


446  THE  CYCLOPS. 

Will  hazard.     But  my  counsels  shall  induce  thexrt 
To  burn  the  Cyclops,     tio  !   with  courage  whirl 
The  brand,  delay  not  to  scorch  out  the  eye 
Of  him  who  banquets  on  the  stranger's  flesh* 
With  fire  assail  the  savage,  pierce  the  front 
Of  Etna's  shepherd,  lest,  with  anguish  stung^ 
On  you  he  perpetrate  some  deed  of  horror, 

POLYPHEME  wUhnu 

Ah  me!  by  burning  coals  I  am  deprived 
Of  eye-sight. 

CHORUS. 
That  was  a  melodious  Paean : 
To  me,  O  Cyclops^  sing  th'  enchanting  strain. 

POLYPHEME,  CHORUS. 

POLYPHEME. 

Ah,  how  am  I  insulted  and  destroy'd  ! 
Yet  shall  ye  never  from  ihis  hollow  rock 
Escape  triumphant,  O  ye  things  of  nought; 
For  in  my  station  rooted,  where  this  cleft 
Opens  a  door,  will  I  spread  forth  my  hands 
And  stop  your  passage  ? 


^  sotils  to  danger  in  tlif  ir  stead ;  which  Polybius  calls  the  part  of  a 
''  pmdent  man.  llie  Cliortis  therefore  facetiously  says,  We  whose  life 
**  is  of  great  value  will  stand  aloof  from  danger,  and  expose  you,  a  vila 
<<  and  itpioblc  man,  to  die  for  lis."  Dr.  Musgravb. 

i  have  only  abridsred  this  talnable  note,  which  amply  obviates  the 
supposed  necessity  of  an  alteration  in  the  text.  The  term  of  Caryatides 
is  to  this  day  given  to  entablatures  supported  by  female  figures  in  the 
stead  of  columns,  in  regard  to  the  origin  of  which  denorainatioD,  Vitni* 
vius  gives  the  following  account :  Carta  a  city  of  Peloponesos  conspired 
with  the  Persians  against  Greece ;  no  sooner  had  the  Greeks  ended  that 
war  by  a  gloiions  victory,  than  they  vnth  one  consent  declared  war 
ligainst  the  inhabitants  of  Caria:  having  taken  and  destroyed  the  city,' 
"and  slain  the  men,  they  led  avrdy  their  matrons  for  slaves,  and  the  arehi- 
t^cts  of  those  times  placed  images  of  these  captive  dames  to  support  the 
wei;;ht  of  public  edifices,  that  the  memorable  punishment  of  the  inha- 
bitants of  Caria  might  be  transmitted  to  posterity^ 


THE  CYCLOPS.  44T 

CHORUS. 

Ha!  what  means  these  outo'ies, 
O  Cyclops  ? 

POLYPHEME. 

I  am  ruin'd. 

CHORUS.  •'  »    ' 

You  appear 
To  have  much  been  abus'd. 

POLYPHEME. 

Deplorably.  -  ' 

CHORUS* 

When  fuddled^  did  you  fall  'mid  burning  coals  ? 

POLYPHEME. 

Noman  hath  ruin'd  me. 

CHORUS. 

To  you  then  no  one 
Hath  offer'd  any  v^rong. 

POLYPHEME. 

These  lids  bath  Noman 
Depriv'd  of  sight. 

CHORUS. 

You  therefore  are  not  blincL   ■   ■    *' 

POLYPHEME. 

Would  thou  could'st  see  as  little. 

CHOItUS.  1 

How  can  no  man 
Put  out  your  eye. 

POLYPHEME. 

Thou  art  disposed  to  jest. 
But  where  is  Noman  ?  . 

CHORUS. 

He  is  no  where,  Cyclops. 

*    '      '  POLYPHEME."  ' 

That  execrr l.le  stranger,  mark  me  well,  ^* 

Is  author  of  my  ruin,  who  produc'd  ' 

The  fraudful  draught,  and  burn'd  my  visual  nerves.   *• 


s>-  ■    >-' 


./♦• 


448  THE^CYCLOPS. 

CHORUS* 

,  Wine  i»  invmoibk. 

POLYPHEME. 

By  all  the  Oods, 
Answer  me  1  conjure  you  ^  did  they  fly. 
Or  are  they  here  withia  ?  » 

CHOltUS. 

They  on  the  top 
Of  yonder  rock  which  skreens  them  from  your  reach. 
In  silence  take  their  stand* 

POLYPHEME. 

But  on  which  sidie? 

CHORUS. 

Your  right. 

POl^YPHEME. 

Where,  where? 

CHORUS;       '/    ', 

Upon  that  very  rock. 
Have  you  yet  caught  them  ? 

POLYPHEME. 

To  mischance  succeeds 
Mischance;  I  have  fallen  down  and  crack'd  my  skuIL 

.     CHORUS. 

They  'scape  you  now. 

POLYPHEME. 

.       .       ■:       Ye  misinformed  me  sure ; 
They  are  riot  here. 

CHORUS. 

I  say  not  that  tli^y  are. 

POLYPHEME. 

Where  then  ? 

CUORUSu 

They  wheel  around  your  on  your  left. 

POLYPHEME.  a. 

Ah  me!   I  am  derided,  y^  but  mock    . 
At  my  affliction. 


THE  eve  LOPS,  449 

CHORUS. 

Tb?y  aie  theic  na  longer :    .    ,. 
But  Noman  stands  before  you. 

POLYPHEME. 

O  thou  villain. 
Where  art  thou  ? 


I.- 1 


.'.  :  ■  ?  ,' 


; .  ■  I  /  • 


ULYSSES,  POLYPHEME,  CHORUS. 

ULYSSES. 

Keeping  cautiously  aloof. 
Thus  I,  Ulysses^  guard  my  threatened  life, 

POLYPHEME. 

What  said'st  thouf  Wherefore  hast  thou  chang'd  thy 
name 
T  assume  a  new  one  ? 

ULYSSES. 

Me  my  father  nam'd 
Ulysses.     It  was  destin'd  you  should  suffer 
A  just  requital  for  your  impious  feast ; 
For  I  in  vain  had  with  consuming  flames 
Laid  Ilibn  waste,  had  I  forborn  t'  avenge 
On  you  the  murder  of  my  valiant  friends. 

POLYPHEME.  ? 

Now  is  that  antient  oracle,  alas, 
Accomplish'd,  which  foretold,  that  I  by  thee, 
On  thy  return  from  Troy,  should  be  depriv'd 
Of  sight :  but  that  thou  also  for  a  deed 
So  cruel,  shalt  be  punish'd,  and  full  long 
£ndure  the  beating  of  tempestuous  waves. 

ULYSSES. 

Go  weep,  my  (15)  actions  justify  these  words. 
But  to  the  shore  I  haste ;  and  to  my  country 
Will  steer  the  vessel  o'er  Sicilia's  waves. 

(15)  Dr.  Musgrave  cites  the  authority  of  two  manuscripts  for  alteriof 
itio^f  video,  into  i»ifi«x'»  ^eci. 

VOL.  II.  a  6 


450 


THE  CYCLOPS, 


POLYPHEME. 

Thou  shalt  not ;  with  this  fragment  of  the  rock 
Hurl'd  at  thy  head,  thee  and  thy  peijur'd  crew 
Will  I  demolish  :  for  I  yet,  tho'  blind. 
Can  mount  the  cliff  which  overhangs  the  port^ 
And  in  its  wonted  crannies  fix  my  steps. 

CHORUS. 

But  we,  blest  partners  in  Ulysses*  voyage. 
Henceforth  the  laws  of  Bacchus  will  obey. 


;   < 


*  THE 


CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES. 


I  • .  » 


Ultor  adest,  pnmisqde  ducem  profltctur  m  antiis,' 
Bellaque  iion  puero  tractat  agenda  puer.-  >  ■  ; '  - 

AuspiciiSy  animisqne  patris  pner  arnia  movebis^ 
£t  vinces  animis,  auspiciisque  patris : 

Tale  rudimentum  tanto  sub  nomine  debes.  '      '    • 


!HV     *: 


^     :','    .  li-       . 


I  t 


■         I  -■  ■  '     .1    I. 


ih  o  1 


PERSONS  OF  THE  DRAM^ 


I 


■       V 

1   ■  * 

*  k 


lOLAUS. 

COPREUS. 

CHORUS  OF  ATHENIAN  OLD  MEK. 

DEMOPHOON. 

MACARIA. 

ALCM£NA« 

MESSENGER. 

EURYSTHEUS. 


SCENE  —  BEFORE  THE  ALTAR  OF  JUPITER,   IN .  THE^ 
FORUM  AT  MARATHON,  A  CITY  IN  THE  ATHENIAN 
DOMINIONS. 


I 


I 


THE 


CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES 


lOLAUS. 

JLoNG  have  I  held  this  fieqiiment ;  the  just 

Are  born  tbe;stream$  of  boqnty  to  diflfuse 

On  all  around  theip  ;  while  th^  man  whose  soul 

Is  warp'd  by  interest^  uselessjn  the  state^ 

Untractable  and  harsh  to  every  friend,  . 

Lives  only  for  himsielf :  in  words  alone 

This  doctrine  I  ipU)Lb'd  not.     Thro'  a  sense 

Of  virtuous  shame  and  reverence  for  my  kindred  (1) 

When  I.iJ^.peaee  at  Argos  might  have  dwelt,   , 

I  singly  shar'd  the  toils  of  Hercules, 

While  he  op  earth  remain'd  :  but  now  he  dwells 

In  Heaven,  I  guard  his  children,  tho'  protection 

Be  what  I. need  mvself.     Fpr  when  their  Sire 

Forsook  this  nether  world.  Eurystheus  strove 

Immediately  to  sli^y  us  ;  but  I  'scap'd 

From  that  oppressor's  fangs,  and  tho'  to  naie 

Lost  is  my  couulry,  1  havesav'd  my  hfe. 

But  we  poor  vagabo^nds,  from  city  fly 

To  some  fr^sh  city,  ever  forc'd  to  change 

Our  dwelling:  for  Eurystheus  deems  it  meet 

To  add  this  wrong  to  former  wrongs,   he  sends 

His  Heralds  wheresoever  he  hears  we  settle. 

And  claims  and  drives  us  lorth  from  every  land; 

jSo  slight  resentment  from  the  Argive  realm 

(l)  lolaus,  whom  Pausanias  and  Apollodonis  call  the  charioteer  of 
Hercules,  was  son  of  Iphicles,  Brother  of  that  Hero  by  Ailtomedufla 
daughter  of  Alcathous,  and  accompanied  his  Uncle  in  most  of  hit 
labours. 


454       THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES. 

Against  our  friends  denouncing,  he  reminds  them 

Of  his  own  prosperous  fortune;? :  when  they  see 

My  weakness,  and  these  littl^  ones  bereft 

Of  their  great  Father,  to  superior  might 

They  crouch,  and  force  the  suppliant  to  depart. 

But  with  the  exil'd  iac^  of  Retcuks      '  '^  J  I  '•  ! 

A  voluntary  exile,  1  partake 

Their  evil  fortunes,  stedfastly  resolv'xl 

Not  to  betray  them  ;  by  malighabt  tpngues 

It  never  shall  be  said ;  ^'  O  mark'  these  Ojfphdo^  ! 

'^  Since  their  Sire's  deatbi  their  kitisitian  lolbus     ' 

^^  Protects  them  not."     But,  iexil'd  from  all  Greece, 

On  reaching  Marathon  and  the  domain 

Subject  to  the  same  rfiler§i  here  we  sit  •       t 

Before  the  altars  of  the  Gods,  and  sue         ^         ■ 

For  their  assistance,    la  this  r^gibtt  dwell 

Two  Sous  of  Theseus;  I  am  t6ld,  tiy  lot    -        ..    '  ^  ; 

Who  portion  out  this  realm,  they' from  P»ttdidii        ' 

Descend,  and  to  these  ChilHren  ar^  allied. 

We  therefore  undertook  our  present  jbtfrney 

To  the  Athenian  realm  ;  two  aged  guides  ' ' 

Conduct  the  hapless  wanderers  ;  my  attention 

Is  to  the  boj^s  devoted  :  but  Alcmena,''  • 

Entering  the  adjacent  temple,  in  het'artns  '  -         •' 

Tenderly  clasps  the  female  pvogeny  '    ■ 

Of  her  departed  Son.     Amid  the  crowd 

We  fear  to  introduce  these  tender  Vii^ins,  ^    '  ' 

Or  place  them  at  the  altars  of  the  Go.ds;    • 

But  Hyllus  and  his  Brothers,  more  mature 

Jn  years,  enquire  in  what  far  distant  land 

A  fortress  for  our  future  residence  .; 

We  yet  can  find/if  we  from  these  domains 

By  force  should  be  expell'd.     My  Sons,  come  hither^ 

Cling  to  this  garment ;  for  to  us  I  see 

Eurystheus'  Herald  coming,  by  whose  hate, 

We  wanderers,  banish'd  from  eajcji  rrieadly  realm,  . 

Are  still  pursued.     Thou^  execrable  miscreant, 


•  » ■ 


I 

■        '      •      i- 


THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES.      455 

Perish  thyself,  and  perish  he  who  sent  thee: 
For  to  the  noble  Father  of  these  Children 
Oft  hath  that  (2)  tongue  enjoin'd  severest  toils^ 


C0PREU9,  lOLAUS. 

COPREUS. 

What,  think'st  thou  unmolested  to  eiijdy 
This  pleasant  seat^  ai^d  have  thy  vagrant  steps 
Enter'd  at  length  a  city  prompt  to  fight 
Thy  battles  f  for  thie  man  whp  will  prefer 
Thy  feeble  arm  to  that  of  gveat  Euiystheus, 
Exists  not.     Hence!  why  in  these  useless  toiU 
Dost  thou  persist  ?  thou  must  return  to  Argbs 
Where  they  have  doom'd  thee  to  bi^  stoa'd?  , 

lOLAUS. 

'    '     '    ^  Not  thus: 

For  in  this  altar  shall  I'fihdproteJction,      " '••  ^  ^-  ■  ''^' 
And  this  free  country  on  whose  soil  We  tread.     '    '   •*  ' 

COPltEl)^. 
Wilt  thou  constrain  me  then  to  have  recourse 
To  violence?  '  '  '       '  *  '  '^  •^^■ 

lOLAtS. 

With  forceful  hand,  nOr'me     ''   "     ' 
Nor  these  poo|:  children  shalt  thou  hence  expel, 

;■  COPREUS.  •  •      '"    ■    '^     '■•'■'■ 

*    I    .  ■  1  •     •       • 

Ere  long  shalt  thou  perceive  that  thou  Mst  utter'd  / 
Erroneous  prophesies. 

(2)  ^  Th9  JScholiast  op  the  fpUowing  gassag^,  in  tiie  fifteenth  book  of 
"  Homer's  Iliad,  v.  639, 

'<  The  minister  of  stem  Eurystheus'  ire 

'^  Against  Alcides,  Copreus  ivas  \aA  Sif e.    '  Pope. 

<'  says;  this  Ck>preus  was  the  herald  of  Eurystheus  King  of  Argos,  an4 
^  Announced  his  commands  to  Hercules,  who  remained  without  the  walb 
"  of  the  ci^y  to  perform  the  labours  enjoinedj  for  Jpiurystheus  did  not 
'*  suffer  him  to  enter  the  gates.",  !    '  .  ^^^^^?* 


i;  J' J  J  •.  ■  » /•    i.'i  i» 


456      THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES. 

lOLAtJS. 

This  ne'er  shaH  be 
Loog  as  I  live. 

COPREUS, 

Depart,  far  I  will  sejze  them 
'Gainst  thy  consent,  and  to  Eurystheus'  power 
Surrender  up,  for  they  to  him  belong. 

lOLAUS. 

Aid  me,  5^e  antient  ciiizens  of  Athens^ 
For  we,  tho'  suppliants,  fovcibly  are  torn 
E'en  from  Jove's  public  altar,  and  the  wreaths 
Twin'd  ropnd  our  sacred  branches  are  po^uted  j 
Shame  to  your  city,  insult  to  the  Gods. 

CHORUS,  idLAUS,  CX)PREUS. 

CHORUS. 

What  clamorous  voices  from  yon  altars  rise  ? 
What  mischiefs  are  impending  ? 

lOLAUS. 

See  a  man 
BurdenM  with  age,  wretch  that  I  am !  lie  prostrate.     ^ 

CHORUS. 

Who  threw  thee  down  ?  what  execrable  hand—  ? 

lOLAUS. 

*Tis  he,  O  stranger,  he  who  to  your  Gods 
Yielding  no  reverence,  strives  with  iippious  force 
E'en  now,  to  drag  me  from  this  hallow'd  seat 
Before  Joves  altar. 

CHORUS. 

He !  —  But  from  what  land 
Cam'st  thou,  old  man,  to  this  confederate  state 
Form'd  of  four  (3)  cities?  From  the  distant  coast 

(3)  The  passage  of  Strabo  quoted  by  Barnes  in  his  note  on  this  passage, 
informs  us,  that  Xuthus,  on  his  marriage  to  the  daughter  of  Erectheus, 
founded  tlie  state  of  Attica,  consibting  of  four  cities ;  Oenoe,  Marathon^ 
probalinthus,  and  Tricorythus.  By  referring  to  the  word  TtttapoHs^ 
In  either  Strabo,  Stepliahus  %zantinu8,  or  Cellariuifs  Geography,  th« 
reader  will  meet  with  further  particnto. 


THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES.       457 

Of  steep  Euboea  did  ye  ply  your  oars  ? 

The'lTft  I  fe^d,  O  stranger,  is  not  that 
Of  vagrant  Islanders  ;  but  rii  your  realm 
From  fain*d  Mycene's  btilwarks  1  arrive. 

CHORUS.  ''■      '  ' 

Among  thy  countrymeti,  ofd  xVIan,  what  name 
Thou  bear'st^  infonn  me. 

lOtAt^. 

Ye  perchance  knew  somewhat 

Of  lolaus,  great  Mcides^  comrade,  ' 

A  name  not  iq trite  uhnotic'd  by  renowiii" 

CHORUS.' 

I  formerly  have  heard  of  him :  but  say      ' 
Who  is  the  Father  of  that  infan^t  race,       ' 
Whom  with  thy  arm  thou  gnid'st  ?    ' 

lOLAUS. 

Thes^  are  the-8biw 
Of  Hercules,  O  strangers,  they,  to  ybu,  ' 

And  to  your  city,  humble  suppliants  come. 

■  CHORUS. 

On  what  account,  inform  me  ;  to  dyinind 
An  audience  of  the  stale  ? 

lOLAUS. 

That  to  their  foe« 
They  may  not  be  surrendered  up,  nor  torn 
Forcibly  from  th^^*  altars  of  your  Gods, 
And  carried  back  to  Afgos. 

COPREtrS. 

Btu  thy  Lords 
Who'b^at  rule  over  thee,  and  fiither  trace 
Thy  steps,  will  ne'ei^  be  satisfii^d  fvith  this. 

,     CHORUS.  /    , 

O  Stranger,  *t is  our  duty  to  revere 
The  suppliants  of  the  Gods :  widi  forceful  hand 
Shall  no  man  drag  thee  from  this  holy  spot,    '   '      ' 
This  seat  of  the  immortal  Powers :  dread  Justice 


453      THE  CHIIJffllEN  OE!  HERCULES. 

Shall  guard  thee  frpm  ^he  wrong. ,,?.:.       ,  .    ^ 

copftEuai. 

Oqt  of  ypjur  If^ijd .  . 

The  vagrant  subjects  of  J^urystheus  dqye,  . «  , 
As  I  admonish ;  Hod  this  band  shall  U3e  ,,:■.• 
No  violence.    • 

How  impious  is  that  city  .     .    ,.  ,,. .  i     = 
Which  disregards  the  helpless,  stranger's  prayer  ! 

'Twere  best  to  interfjpreppt  jn, these- bi^oils,      ,      .  lo 
And  to  adopt  son^eix^pre  ejfpecjie^i^t  counsels*,  ..     .      ^ 

CHORUS. 

You  therefore,  to  the  Monarch  of  this  realm  .. 
Should  have  declar'd.  ypi^r  errancy  ere  thusifi^f^    .       .  ,/ 
You  had  proceeded:  but  with ^rutal.fprce    .  .      ;;     i  /. 
These  strangers  from  theaJta^s  of  the  Gods 
Presun^e  not  tp  conviey,  and  to  this  land 
Of  freedom  yield  .du^  , reverence.  ,   ,? 

COPREU^, 

....  ,  But  what  King 
Rules  this  domain  and  city  ? 

CHORUS..  ,      . 

.  Theseus' son, 
Renown'd  Demophoon. . .     ; 

^  1...  i   .    ■    COPIfEUS.   ...  .,     .,-,,  .      ,   r-.   .    .'i 

i       Better  I  with  him 
This  contest  could  decide :  for  all  I  yet 
Have  spoken,  is  but  a  mere  waste  of  words. 

CHORUS. 

Behold,   he,  l^lth^r  comes  in  haste^  and  with  Ifim^ : 
To  hear  this  cause,  his  brother  Acapsas.  ;  ^ 

DEMOPHOON,  lOLAUS,   CbPREUS,  CHORUS. 


'  <    > 


t 


in' 


DEMOPHOON.     . 


Since  by  tl)y^spjee<^,  pld  man,  .tjjou  hast  outstripped  ^ 
Thy  juni9r#,»aad;f^readx  rem^jj/^.f^lji^.flhnfle  .  .3, ,  /, 


THE  CHILKRE'M  OF  HERCULES.;      459;. 

Of  Jove,  inform  me  what. event  hath  caused*.       •   ,    .  i' 
This  multitude  V  assemble.  !   m  ...  .  •• 

CHORUS; 

:     ''     TKere  the  Sods         . 
Of  Hercules  in  suppliont  f>ostui*e  si*,       (  , . 
And  with  their  wreaths,  as  you i behold,  O  King, 
Adorn  the  altar ;  that  is  lolaus,  .   > 

The  faithful  comrade  of  their  valiant  Sire.  .  • 

DEMOPHOON. 

How  needed  their  distress  these  clamorous  shrieks? 

CHORITS,  iumhig  towm-^  €k>PKEV9. 
He  rais'd  the  upro&r,  when  by  force  he  strove         .  ;' 
To  bear  them  hence,  andon  ibis  knees,  to  earth 
Threw  the  odd  Man;,  tilM  for  pity  wept. 

i  DEMOt^aON.  ■■■:': 

Altho'  be  in  the  habit  which  he  wears  -.  .  :  .  v  '^ 
Adopts  the  mdde  ofiGreece,  such  deeds  as  these  •  '  '•' 
Speak  the  Barbarian.— But  without  delay.  I 

On  thee  it  is  ineiimbeat  now  to  tell  me  ;  .  i  ■  i  !  ' 
The  country  whence  thou  cam*st.     ...       -  .   ;         A 

'  .  \  .  :  .  I  am  an  Argive;'  .^;'  J' 
Thus  far  to  solve  your  question  2  but  from  whence  "i^* 
I  come,  and  on  what  errand,  will  I  add:;  /. 

Mycene's  King,'£urysibeuS)  sends;  me  hithi^  '>  •/ 
To  fetch  these  v^rants  home*:  ye»  I,  O  strangeti  "  V 
Will  with  abuddant  jusltioe,<  in  my  actions,    1  :  " 

As  well  as  words,  proceed  ;  myself  an  Argive,  ^^  .  >  ''i  I 
I  bear  away  .tb^se^  Argivesj  L  but  siize  *  '  ;  ;  /  :  'k! 
The  fugitives  who  from'  iny  natiivo  1  and  '  «  ♦  '<  i  ' ^ 
Escap'd,  when  bytbe  laws  whiiichitbereprevail  '-  '^ 
They  were  ordain'ij  to  bleed.  We  have*  right^  '  1 
Because  we  are  the  rulers  of  tbej .city,  ^         '  '^ 

To  execute  the  sentence  wc  enact 
'Gainst  our  own  subjects;  !  To. the  sacred  hearths    -I'/i 
Of  many  other  states  wheh  they  r^palr'd,.       •<■?       >  "^ 
We  urg'd  the  self*8«ime  iteasons,  afad  uqne  ventured    * 


460       THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES. 

To  be  the  autliors  of  their  own  destruction. 

But  haply  they  in  you  may  have  perceived 

A  foolish  tenderness,  and  hither  come. 

Desperate  themselves,  you  also  to  involve 

In  the  same  perils^  whether  they  succeed 

Or  fail  in  thie  ^einprise  :  ifor  they  no  hope 

Can  cherish,  while  you  yet  retain  your  reason. 

That  you  alone,  in  all  the  wide  extent 

Of  Greece,  whose  various  r^ions  they  have  travers'd. 

Should  pity  those  calamities  which  rise 

But  from  their  own  imprudence.     Now  ccunpare 

Th*  alternative  propos'd;  by  sheltering  them 

In  these  dominions,  or  allowing  us 

To  bear  them  heqce,  w^bat  gain  may  you  expect  ? 

Side  but  with  us,  these  benefits  are  yours ; 

Eurystheus'  self,  and  Argos'  numerous  troops^ 

Will  aid  this  city  with  their  utmost  might: 

But  if,  by  their  seducing  language  mov'd> 

Ye  harbour  groundliess  pity  for  their  woes. 

Arms  must  decide  the  strife.     Kor  vainly  think 

We  will  desist  till  we  have  fully  tried 

The  temper  of  our  swords.     But  what  excuse 

Have  ye  to  plead  ?  Of  what  domains  bereft 

Are  ye  provok'd  to  wage  a  desperate  war 

With  the  Tirynthian  Argives?  What  allies 

Will  aid youf   W hat  pretext  can  ye  allege 

To  claim  funereal  honours  for  the  slain  ? 

The  curses  of  your  city  will  await 

Such  conduct ;  for  the  sake  of  that  old  Man, 

Whom  I  may  jujstly  cidl  a  tomb>  a  shadow, 

And  those  unfriended  Children,  should  you  stqi 

Into  the  yawning  gulpb.     Si>ppose  the  best 

Which  possibly  can  happen>   that  a  prospect 

Of  future  good  hence  rises;  distant  hopes  ^ 

Fall  short  of  present  gdn.     In  riper  years 

111  can  these  youths  be  qualified  to  fight 

Agaimt  the  Argive  host,  (if  this  eiate 


THE  CHtLDtlEN  OF  HERCULE$.       46l 

Your  soul  with  hope)  and  ere  that  wish'd  event 
There  is  a  length  of  intermediate  time 
In  which  ye  may  be  ruin'd  :  but  comply- 
With  my  advice;  on  me  rio  gift  bestow, 
Let  me  but  take  what  to  ourselves  belongs,    - 
Mycen6  shall  be  yours.     But  O  forbear 
To  act  as  ye  are?  wont,  nor  form  a  league 
With  those  of  no  account,  .when  mightier  friends 
May  be  procur'd. 

DEMOPHOON. 
Who  can  decide  a  cadse^ 
Or  ascertain  its  merits,  till  he  hear 
Both  sides  distinctly  ? 

lOLAtJS. 
In  your  land,  O  King, 
This  great  advantage,  freedom  of  reply 
To  the  malignant  charge  against  me  urg'd, 
I  find,  and  no  man,  as  from  other  cities. 
Shall  drive  me  hence.     But  we  have  nothing  left 
For  which  it  now  behoves  us  to  contend 
With  him,  nor  aught,*- since  that  decree  hath  pass'di 
To  do  with  Argos  :  from  our  native  land 
We  are  cast  forth;     Iti  this  distressful  state. 
How  can  he  drag  us  back  again  with  juctice 
As  subjects  of  Mycen6j  to  that  realm 
Which  hath  already  ban  ish'd  us?    We  there 
Are  only  foreign£;rs.     But  why, should  he 
Whom  Argos  dooms  to  ex41e,  by  all  Greece 
B<?  also  exil'd  ?    Kot?  by  Athens  sure  : 
For  ne'er  will  Athens  from  its  blest  domains 
£jcpel  the  race  of  Hercules,  appall'd 
By  Argos*  menac'd  wrath.     For  neither  (4)  Tracbis, 

(4)  AccordinjEt  to  Paiisarias,  Coyx  the  Yid^  of  Trachis,  a  city  in 

.Thessaly,  findiiig  tiin&elf  uimble  to  protect  thv.  Children  of  Herctiles 

against  the  tyrant  Eurysthtms,  sent   them  to  Atlicns,  hoping  they  might 

find  a  more  powerfnl  defender  in  'riivHens,    In  a'fragment  Of  Hecatset^ 

an  antieut  Greek  Iiistoiidn,  cited  by  Longiuus,  whose  writings  are  not 


46«   THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES. 

Nor  is  that  eity  of  Acbaia  here, 

Whence  thou  by  boasting  of  the  might  of  Argos 

In  words  like  those  which  thou  hast  uttei'd  now,  i 

These  suppliants  didst  unjustly  drive  away 

Tho'  seated  at  the  altars.     If  tjiy  threats 

l^ere  too  prevail^  no  longer[  shall  w^  6n4 

Freedom,  not  e'en  in  Athens:  but  I  know 

Full  well  the  generous  teropei:  of  its  Sons,  ,  . 

And  rather  would  they  die.     For  to  the  brave 

Shame  is  a  load  which  renders  life  most  hateful. 

Enough  of  Atheu!?— for  immoderate  praise 

Becomes  invidious :  I  remember  too. 

How  oft  I  have  been  heretofore  distressed  . 

By  overstrain'd  encomiums.     But  on  you 

How  greatly  'tis  incumbent  to  protect 

These  Children^  will  I^hew,  since  p'er  this  land       , 

You  rule:   For  Pitthcus  was  the  Son  of  Pelops, 

From  Pittheus  iEthra. sprung,  From  .^thra  Theseu?  ; 

Your  Father:  from  your  ancestor^  to  those 

Of  your  unhappy  suppliants  I  proceed; 

Akides  was  the  Son  of  timftdeiing.  J,ove  f 

And  of  Alcmena;  from  Lysidice 

Daughter  of  Pelops,  did  Alcmena  spring,       . 

now  extant;  it  is  said  that Ceyx. commanded  wc/^yi>etUii  tvJmti,  '^  Tht 
**  descendants  qf  Hetcules'  Ckildren^  to  quit  ^  Kingdom,  lest  they  them- 
•elves  should  perish,  and  involve  him  in  their  ruin.  £^uripidcs,  by  makipg 
lolaiis  bring  the  iufant  Sons  of  Hercules  to'Detnophoon  and  Acsud'as, 
the  two  Sons  of  Theseus,  and  joint  sovereigns  of  Athens,  appears -i^aiity 
of  a  chronological  inaccuracy^  as  Theseusi,  ^ccoikiiog,  to  Dr.'  Blair's 
tables,  survived  his  friend  Hercules  17  years,  and  Mcnestheus  oc- 
cupied thii  throne  of  Athens  after  his  death  for  2S  years,  so  that  a  space 
of  40  years  intervened  between  the  death  of  Hel*cules,  and  Acamas 
and  Demophoon's  becoming  Kings  of  Athens :  bnt  Earipides,  as  I  have 
had  occasion  elsewhere  to  observe,  evidenUy  considers  the  two  Sons  of 
Theseus  as  their  Father's  iuimedia^e  successors.  The  .  classical  reader 
will  meet  with  further  particulars  rclativc  to  Ceyx,  A^ho  was  the  Husband 
,  of  Alcyone,  and  had  been  a  friend  to  the  deceased  Hercules,  in  JBarnes's 
not*  upon  this  passage.  \ ,'   ^ 


THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES.       46s 

One  common  (5)  Giiandsir^  gave  your  Granjdaine  birtBi, 
And  theirs:  so  near  in  biood  are  yoaJto  them:     ;     mJ 
But,  O  Demophoon,  what  beyond  the  ties 
Of  family  you  to  these  Children  owe 
Will  I  inform  you,  and  relate  how  erst  ..  .!  i 

With  Theseus  in  one  barJc  I  sailed,  and  bore 
Their  Father's  shield^  when  we  that  belt  (6),  the  cause 
Of  dreadful  slaughter,  sought  ^  and  from  the  cares  ^ 
Of  Pluto,  Hercules  led  back  your  Sire. 
This  truth  all  Greece  attests.     They  in  return 
From  you  implore  this  boon,  that  to  their  foes    i 
They  may. not  be  surrendered  up,  nor  torn  .  .  i 

By  force  froim  these  your  tutelary -Gdds,  .       '^. 
And  banish'd  from  this  i^alm.    For  to  yourself       »  ' 
Twere  infamous,  and  baneful  to  your  city,      .      >  .  > 
Should  supplianft^,  exiles,  sprung  from  ancestors 
The  same  with  yours  (ah  miserable  me  !• 
Betiold,  behold  th(em  !)  with  a  forceful  .ariii«:  ^  i 

Be  dragg'd  away.  But  to  youi3  bands^  and  beard,  '. 
Lifting  these  hallowM  branches, < I eotredt  you.  .  ! 
Slight  not  Alcides':  Children,  undertlike  '     .    ;  ;/ 

Their  caiase;  and,  O,  to  them  become  a Kinsitian,  s 
Become  a  Ffiiend,  a  Father,  Brotlier,  Lord,  i..  1 
For  better  were  it  to  admit  thesie  claiins,  ;  =  ^  r 

(5)  Tlie  term  made  use  of  in  tfo^  original  is,  thy  Father  and  tiiehv 
were  ea/lceni^u,  aH  expfrettiou  \flAcb.  tiemry  Stephens  in  liis ;  Greek  The- 
lanrus  will  n^t  .aUow  to  be  ;  equally  vague  lyidi'  dtt^  whicl^  i§  reqdeiied 
^Cousin;"  but  by  saying,  restringi  significationera  puto,  means  appa- 
rently to  confine  it  io  Cousin-Germtos,  or  tlie  Children  of  moiIier8,^or 
Sisters;  but  it  being  evident  fr^nti  the' fbr€fg<)ii^^  pedi^es  <ftif  Theseus 
and  HercidJesy  tiiat  tbey' were  related:  to,  each: ath«f  in  tliQUegree/of 
Third  Cousins  only  ;,I  kpe,w  not  how  ^o  expi^^i^  in  the  £qg|is]^  kui* 
guage  in  the  accurate  manner  which  nxMgwie  in  the  next  line' seems  to 
render  necessary,  otherwise  tiiah  by  k  circumlocution  ;  which  I  fear  will 
be  thought  very  nngracefbl.'  Where  Eurystheus;  'neai^  the  close  of  this 
Tragedy,  calls  himself  avlayt^iog  to  Alcmena,  he  evidently  mean  Fiirst 
Cousin,  as  their  Fathei-s  Stl^enelus  ,and  Jll(^tryon  were  Brothers,  being 
both  of  them  Sons  of  Perseusi 

(6)  Of  Hippolyta  tlie  'Amazon ;  see  Hercules  Dist^^cted,  v.  415,  ed. 
Barnes.  'i  j •..'•'.•  -ii,'-   •  i.     \,,.         .  :•»    -  * 


<:  * 


464       THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCUIiES. 

TbiKi  suffer  ibem  to  fall  beneath  ihe  rage 
Of  Argive  lyrants. 

CHORX^.  !  '     .    : 

I  ivitb  pity  beard 
Their  woes,  O  King,  but  flow  Iclearly  see 
How  noble  Birth  to  adverse  Fortune  yields:  <•;  . 
For  tho'  they  spring  From  an  iliustrioas  Sirev     . 
Yet  meet  they  with  afflictions  they  deserve  not^  . 

DEMOPHOON.  il 

Three  powerful  motivts  urge  iiie,  while  I  Tiew 
The  misery  which  attends  you,  not  to  spurn      '  . 
These  strangers;  first  dread  Juve^  before  whose  altars 
You  with  these  cltildren  sit;  next  icindred  ties^  .   *   .' 
And  services  perfoim'd  in  antient  days^ 
Give  them  a '.claim  tasuch  relief  from  me 
As  from  their  godirke' Father  mine  obtain'd^ 
And  last  of  all  that  infamy  which' most- 
I  ought  to  loathe :  for  if  I  should  pertiiit 
A  foreigner  this  nl tar  to  despoil,  ;      . 
I  in  a  land  of  freedom  shall  no  longer 
Appear  to  dwell,,  but  to  surrender  up,  • 

Thro'  fear,  the  suppliants  to  their  Argive  lords; 
In  this  extreme  of  dtinger.    Would  to  Heaven 
You  had  arrived  with  happier  auspices: 
But  tremble  not  lest  any  brutal  band  ,    , 

Should  from  this<  hallow'd  altar  force  away. 
You  and  the  children.    Therefore  gtt  thou  baelt 
To  Argos,  and  this  message  to  Eurystheus  '/ 

Deliver;  tell  him  too  if  thiere  be  aught 
Which  'gainst  our  guests  be  can  allege^  the  laws;; 
Are  open  :  but  thou  shiilt'not  drag  therti  hence.' '  ' ' 

COPKEUS. 
Not  if  I  prove  that  it  is  just,  and  luring 
Prevailing  reasons? 

DEMOPHOON. 

How  can  it  be  just  ,.  . , 

To  drive  away  the  suppliant? 


'  I 


TH£  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES.       46^ 

<       COPREUS, 

Hence  no  shame 
Shall  light  on  mCy  but  ruin  on  your  head. 

DEMOPHOON. 

Should  I  permit  thee  to  convey  them  hence  * 
In  me  'twere  base  indeed. 

COPREUS. 

Let  them  be  banish'd 
From  your  domains^  and  I  elsewhere  will  seize  them. 

DEMOPHOON. 
Thou  fool,  who  deem*st  thyself  more  wise  than  joye  I 

COPREUS. 

^U  villains  may^  it  seems^  take  refuge  here* 

DEMOPHOON. 

This  altar  of  the  Gods,  to  all  affords 
A  sure  asylum.  ^ 

COPREUS. 

In  a  different  light. 
This  to  Mycene's  rulers  will  appear. 

DEMOPHOON. 

Am  not  I  then  the  Monarch  of  this  realm  ^ 

COPREUS. 
Offer  no  wrong  to  them,  if  you  are  wise. 

DEMOPHOON. 

Do  ye  then  suffer  wrong  when  I  refuse 
To  violate  the  temples  of  the  Gods  ? 

COPREUS.  •    -] 

I  would  not  have  you  enter  on  a  war 
Against  the  Argives.  , : 

DEMOPHOON.  '  X 

Equally  inclin'd 
Am  I  to  peace,  yet  will  not  I  yield  up 
These  suppliants. 

COPREUS. 

Hence  am  I  resolv'd  to  drag 
Those  who  belong  to  me. 

VOL.  II.  H  M 


466      THte  C!HILDREN4>F  HERCULES- 

DEMOPHOON.    t 

ThoQ  then  to  Argos 

Shalt  not  with  ease  return  (7). 

COPMiUS. 

Soon  will  I  make 
Th'  experiment  and  know. 

DEMOPHOON. 

If  thou  presume 
To  touch  them,  thou  immediately  shalt  rue  it. 

COPREUS. 

I  hy  the  Gods  conjure  you  not  ta  strike 
A  Herald. 

DEMOPHOON. 

Strike  I  will^  unless  that  Herald 
Jiearn  to  behave  discreetly. 

CHORUS. 

Go.— And  you, 
O  King,  forbear  to  touch  him. 

COPREUS. 

I  retire : 
For  weak  in  combat  is  a  single  arm. 
But  I  again  shall  hither  come,  and  bring 
An  host  of  Argives  arm'd  with  brazen  spears : 
Unnumber'd  warriors  wait  for  my  return. 
The  King  himself,  Eurystheus,  is  their  Chief; 
He  on  the  borders  of  (8)  Alcathous'  realm 

(7)  The  Atheoians  are  said  by  Philostratus  to  ^have  instituted  a  public 
and  solemn  monrning  in  commemoration  of  the  crime  they  had  com- 
mitt^  in  killmg  the  herald  Copreus,  as  he  was  forcibly  dragging  away 
the  Chfidrenof  Hercules  from  their  altars;  but  Euripides  was  too  well 
acquainted  both  with  the  laws  of  the  Drama,  and  poetic  justice,  to 
throw  out  any  thing  beyond  a  distant  hint  relative  to  this  flagrant  breach 
of  the  laws  of  nations.  To  have  exhibited  on  the  stage  the  murder  o£ 
an  Embassador,  (whose  person  was  held  sacred  even  among  nations 
the  most  uncivilised)  committed  by  the  people,  whom  he  on  aU  occasions 
describes  as  models  of  honour  and  justice,  would  have  been  in  him  tiiei 
most  faring  inconsistency,  and  must  have  rendered  him  odious  to  his 
countrymen. 

(8)  This  province,  of  which  M egara  was  the  capital,  situated  be« 
tween  Athens  and  Corinth,  usually  known  by  the  name  of  Megaris, 


THE  CHILDREN  QP  HERCULESi       46? 

Walts  for  an  answer.     He  in  glittering  mail. 

Soon  as  he  hears  your  arrogadt  reply. 

To  you,  your  subjects,  this  devoted  realm,  /  . 

And  all  its  wasted  forests  will  appiear^  ^  » 

For  we  in  vain  at  A rgos  should  possess r.  1 

A  band  so  numerous  of  heroic  youths,  -» 

If  we  chastis'd  not  your  assuming  pride. 

[£xfV  COPRBUI. 
DEMOPHOOS.  i 

Away,  detested  Miscreant;  for  [  frar  not 
Thy  Argos  :  and  thoii  ne'er^  by  dragging  hence 
These  suppliants,  shalt  disgrace-mc::  for  this  Citv 
As  an  appendage  to  the  Argive  realm   ■ 
I  hold  not,  but  its  freedom  will  maintain.  ^/ 

-       CHORUS. 

'Tis  time  each  sage  precaution. to  exert,  "<•< 

Ere  to  the  confines  of  this  land  advance  :  I 

The  troo'ps  of  Argos:  For  Mycene's  wrath  «   ■  f 

Is  terrible  in  combat,  and  more  fierce  ; 

Than  heretofore  \Vill  they  invade  us  now.  .    'I 

For  to  exaggerate  facts  beyond  the  truth*  ^ ' 
Is  every  Herald's  fcustora.    To  bis  King,     li 
How  many  specious  tales  do  yocrwippose 

Of  the  atrocious  insults  he  endured,  j- ' 
He  will  relate,  and  add  how  he>tbe  loss             :        ><] 

Of  life  endangered  ?  ,.  J 

<  • 

*  •  * 

was  also  called  Aloatbod,  from  Alcathoiifl  Die  ion  of  Pefdps,  wtn^^dn^ 
suspected  of  having  alain  his  brother  Ghryiippas,  came  to  thait  #0911117 
for  an  asylum ;  the  kiiig  Megareoa  having  lost  both  his  sons,  the  eldfr 
of  vvfaom,  Timaleus,  came  with  Ctttbr  and  Pollux  to  besiege  Apfaidiia, 
and  was  there  killed  by  TheseiA,  imd  Emppos  the  yo^ger,  hhd  recently 
been  torn  to  pieces  by  a  teiribl*  lion,  vrfao  hamted  the  moantains  ^ 
Qthaerott^:  Megarens  herenpon  pron^se^  hi*  Daughter  and  bi?  ^ogdom 
to  whoever  would  dispatch  the  lion ;  Aloathous  undertook  to  encount^ 
this  formidable  beast,  and  proved  victorious:  after  he  had  thus bb« 
tained  the  crown,  Alcathons  erected  a  citadel  in  Megara,  whi^ch'  was 
called  by  his  name,  mid  ApoUo  is  said  to  have  endoed  its  walb  with  the 
quality  of  emitting  harmony  sounds.    S«(Q^Piui9anhM.aB4Banifs.,,  ^ 


468      THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULE& 

lOLAUS. 

To  the  sons  devolve 
No  honours  which  exceed  the  being  born 
Of  an  ilhistrioiis  and  heroic  Sire, 
And  wedding  into  virtuous  families. 
But  on  that  man  no  praise  will  1  bestow^ 
Who  bj  his  lusts  impell'd,  among  the  wicked 
A  nuptial  union  forms;  heiK!e  to  his  sons 
Disgrace,  instead  of  pieassre,  he  bequeaths. 
For  noble  birth  repels  adversity 
Better  than  abject  parentage.     When  sinking 
Under  the  utmost  pressvre  of  uur  woes. 
We  find  these  friends  and  kinsmen^  who  alone 
Amid  the  populous  extent  of  Greece 
Stand  forth  in  our  behalf.     Ye  generous  youths> 
Now  give  them  your  right  hands^  and  in  retuso 
Take  those  of  youi  ptotectors :  O  my  sons^ 
Draw  near:  we  have  made  trial  of  our  frieiul^. 
If  ye  again  behold  your  native  walls; 
Possess  the  self«siune  mansions,  and  the  honours 
Which  your  illustrious  Father  erst  enjoy'd  ; 
These  deem  your  saviours  and  your  friends,  nof  wield 
Against  their  fostering  land  the  hostile  spear. 
On  your  remembraace  let  these  benefits 
Be  ever  stamp'di:  and  hold  tbis  city  dear ; 
For  they  deserve  your  reverence,  who  from  us 
Repel  so  great  a  nation,  such  a  swarm 
Of  fieree  P^lasgian  troops :  and,  tho'  they  see 
Our  poverty  and  exile,  have  refus'd 
To  yield  us  up,  or  banish  from  their  realm. 
Both  while  I  live,  and  after  the  cold  griave 
Keeeives  me  at  the  destin'd  hour ',  my  friend, 
I  with  loud  voice  your  merits  will  applaud. 
Approaching  mighty  Theseus,  arid  my  words 
Shall  soothe  your  Father's  ear  when  I  recount 
With  what  humanity  you  have  received  us, 
And  how  protected  the  defenceless  Sons 


THE  CHILDREN  OF  HfiRCULES.     4f« 

Of  Hercules :  by  your  illustrious  birth 
Distinguish'd^  you  the  glories  of  your  Sire 
Thro'  Greece  maintain :  sprung  from  a  noble  lineage. 
Yet  are  you  one  among  that  chosen  few  " 

Who  in  no  instance  deviate  from  the  virtues 
Of  your  great  ancestry :  altho'  mid  thousands 
Scarce  is  a  single  instance  to  be  found 
Of  those  who  emulate  their  Father's  worth. 

CHORUS, 

This  country,  in  a  just  and  honest  cause 
Is  ever  prompt  to  succour  the  distrest. 
Hence  ^n  it's  friends'  behalf  hath  it  sustained 
Unnumbered  toils,  and  now  another  conflict  ^.* 

I  see  impending. 

DEMOPHOON. 

Rightly  hast  thou  spoken. 
And  in  such  toils  I  feel  a  conscious  pride. 
These  benefits  shall  never  be  forgotten. 
But  an  assembly  of  the  citi2ens 
I  instantly  will  summon,  and  arrange 
A  numerous  squadron,  to  receive  the  onset 
Of  fierce  Mycene's  host,  first  sending  spies 
To  meet  them,  lest  they  unawares  assail  us. 
For  the  bold  warrior,  who  without  delay 
Goes  forth  Jo  battle,  keeps  the  foe  alooiv 
I  also  will  collect  the  Seers,  and  sUy 
The  victims :   bqt  dp  you,  old  Man,  meanwhile  y 

Enter  the  palace  with  these  Children,  leaving 
Jove's  altar:  for  n>y  menial  train  are  there. 
Who  will  with  fond  solicitude  attend  youj 
AJtho'  I  am  not  present:  but  i^o  in, 

lOLAUS, 
I  will  not  leave  the  altar ;  on  this  seat 
We  suppliants  will  remain,  and  pray  to  Jove,. 
That  prosperous  fortunes  may  attend  your  city. 
But  when  you  from  this  conflict  are  with  glory 
lleleas'd,  we  to  your  palace  will  repair; 


4ro     .fHE  CHJiBDREN  QF  HER(JU<-ES. 

Nor  are  the  Gods,:  who  wftr.on  our  behalf,  '1    " 

O  King,  inferior  ito  the  GodJi  of  Argos*  :     : '  j 

JFor  o^er  that  cityi  <  jJoye- s  ijiaj^stic  Gop^r^, 

Juno,  but  here^i^linerva  doth  preside*      . 

This  I  maintain^  that  nought  ensures  succesa  .    ^ 

Beyond  the  aid  of  mightier  Deities,  i  ' 

Nor  will  imperial  Pallas  be  subdued. 

[Exif  PEMOPHOO^. 

CHORUS. 

'        ODE* 

Boast  as  thou  wilt,  and  urge  tfiy  proujd  demand,  ' 
This  nation  disregards  thy  ire,  ••. 

Thou  stranger  from  the  Argive  land. 
NojJ  can  thy  sounding,  words  control 
The  st^rifast  purpose  of  my  jsouI  :  .     .     \ 

Great  Athens,  by  her  lovely  choir 
Distinguished,  shall  unstained  preserve 
JHer  antient  glory,  nor  from  virtue  swerve  ^ 
But  thou,  devoid  of  wisdom,  dost  obey 
(9)  The  Son  of  Sthei^elus,  the  tyrant's  impious  sway, 


u 


(9)  **  Eurysthei^^  wl^ote  ^ther  Stlienelus  was  the  son  of  Peiseus  aod 
Andromeda :  hepce  OpA  calls  him  Sthenjeleius  : 

^  Quem  non  mille  feme,  quern  non  Stheneleius  hostis^ 
"  Non  potuit  Juno  yini^r^,  vicit  Amor.** 

He  whom  a^thou^d  monsters,  whom  hb  foe 

The  son  of  6th(%ielQ8  in  vain  parsned,  >  '■  •  '  :    ' 

Nor  e'en  the  wrath  of  Juno  could  o-erthrow,  . 

Was  by  the  shafts  of  love  at  l,ength  subdued.      . 

**  Wliep  Hercules  vras  on,  the  point  of  being  born,  Jupiter,  in  au  assem- 
•*  bly  of  the  Gods,  swore  that  there  should  that  very  day  be  bom  a 
*<  child  of  his  race,  who  should  rule  over  Uie  neighbouring  nations  :  Juno 
''  hereupon  descending  to  tlie  earth,  came  to  Argds,  delayed  the  de- 
"  livery  of  Alcmena,  and  forced  Archippe,  wife  pf  Sthenelus,'then  only 
"  seven  months  jjcne  witU  child,  to  bear  a  son  afterwards  called  Earys. 
'*  theus ;  who  on  this  account  obtained  the  Argive  throne,  and  ruled 
_"  over  Hefcules.**  Barnes. 

Perseus  being  the  son  of  Jupiter  and  Danae,  and  ou<2  «of  Peiseus* 


THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCUUESi      471 

II. 

Who  com'st  amidst  an  independent  state. 

In  nought  inferior  to  the  strength 

Of  Argos,  and  with  brutal  hate 

Dar'st,  tho*  a  foreigner,  to  seize 

The  exiles,  who  our  Deities  . 

Implore,  and  in  these  realms  at  length 

From  their  distress  obtain  a  shield : 
Thou  e'en  to  scepter'd  monarchs  will  not  yield. 
Yet  no  ju»t  plea  thy  subtle  tongue  hath  found. 
How  can  such  conduct  warp  the  fhan  whose  judgmentV 
sound?  ,       .  •  ♦ 

III. 
Peace  is  the  object  of  my  dear  delight : 

But  thou,  O  Tyrant,  thou  whose  breast 
Well  may  I  deem  by  frenzy  is  possest. 
If  'gainst  this  city  thou  exert  thy  might, 
Pant'st  after  trophies  which  thou  He'er  sbalt  gain^ 

Bearing  targe  and  brazen  lance 

Others  with  equal  arms  advance. 
O  thou,  who  fondly  seek'st  th'  enibattled  plain. 

Shake  not  these  turrets,  spare  the  haunt 
Of  every  gentle  Grace,  — Thou  wretch,  avaunt. 

DEMOPHOON,  lOLAUS,  CHORUS. 

lOLAUS. 

Why  com*st  thou  hither,  O  my  son,  with  eyes 
Expressive  of  affliction  ?  from  the  foe 
What  recent  information  canst  thou  give? 
Do  they  delay  their  march,  are  they  at  hand. 
Or  bring'st  thou  apy  tidings  i  for  the  threats 
That  Herald  utfcer'd  sure  will  be  accomplished. 
Blest  in  the  favour  of  the  Gods,  the  Tyrant 
Exults,  I  know,;  and  arrogantly  deems 

■ 

sons,  Electryon,  father  to  Alcmen^  the  mother  of  Hercules,  that  hero  wai 
doubly  descended  from  Jupiter,  both  by  his  ms^temal  ancestors,  and  by 
tlie  God's  amour  with  Alcmena, 


472     THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES. 

That  he  o'er  Athens  shall  prevail :  but  Jove 
Chastises  the  presumpttious. 

DEMOPHOON. 

Argos  comes 
With  numerous  squadrons,  and  its  king  Eurystheus, 
Myself  beheld  him.     It  behoves  the  man 
Who  claims  the  merit  of  an  able  Chief, 
Not  to  depend  upon  his  spies  alone 
To  mark  the  foe's  approach.    But  with  his  host 
He  hath  not  yet  invaded  these  domains, 
But  halting  on  yon  mountain's  topmost  ridge 
Observes,  (I  from  conjecture  speak)  the  roarf 
By  which  he  may  lead  forth  his  troops  to  battle. 
And  where  he  in  this  realm  with  greatest  safety 
May  station  them.    Already  have  I  made 
Each  preparation  to  repel  their  onset. 
The  city  is  in  arms,  the  victims  stand 
Before  the  altars,  ^rith  their  blood  t'  appease 
The  wrath  of  every  God,  and  due  lustrations 
Are  sprinkled  by  the  Seers,  that  o'er  our  foes 
We  may  obtain  a  triumph,  and  preserve 
This  country.    Every  Prophet  who  expounds 
The  oracles,  convening,  have  I  seardi'd 
)nto  each  sage  response  of  e^ntiept  times. 
Or  public  or  conceal'd,  on  which  depends 
The  welfare  of  the  realm.     In  all  beside 
Differ  Heaven's  mandates :  but  one  dread  behest 
Runs  thro'  the  several  auspices,  to  Ceres 
They  bid  me  sacrifice  some  blooming  Maid 
Who  from  a  nobler  Sie  derives  her  birth, 
^eal  have  I  shewn  abundant  in  your  cause, 
But  will  not  slay  my  Daughter,  nor  constrain 
Any  Athenian  citizen  to  make 
Such  an  fibhorr'd  oblation ;  for  the  man 
Exists  npt,  who  is  so  devoid  of  reason, 
As  willingly  to  yield  his  children  up 
With  hi^  own  hi^nds.    But  what  afflicts  me  moat 


THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES.      473 

Is  this ;  tumultuous  crowds  appear ;  some  cry, 
Tis  just  that  we  the  foreign  suppliants  aid. 
But  others  blame  my  folly.     If  no  means 
Can  be  devis'd  to  satisfy  them  all, 
Soon  will  a  storm  of  civil  war  arise. 
See  thou  to  this,  and  think  of  some  expedient, 
How  ye,  and  how  this  country,   may  be  ^v'd, 
Without  the  citizens'  calumnious  tongues 
My  fame  assailing.     For  I  rule  not  here 
With  boundless  power,  like  a  Barbarian  King; 
Let  but  my  deeds  be  just,  and  in  return 
Shall  I  experience  justice. 

CHORUS. 

Will  not  Jove 
Suffer  this  city  to  exert  its  courage. 
And  aid  these  hapless  strangers  as  we  wish? 

lOLAUS. 

Our  situation,  O  my  sons,  resembles 
That  of  the  Mariners,  who  having  'scap'd 
The  storm's  relentless  fury,  when  in  sight 
Of  land,  are  from  the  coast  by  adverse  winds 
Driven  bjick  into  the  deep.     Thus  from  this  realm 
Just  as  we  reach  the  shore,  like  shipwreck'd  men. 
Are  we  expell'd.     O  inauspicious  Hope, 
Why  didst  thou  soothe  me  with  ideal  joy, 
Altho'  it  was  ordain'd  that  thou  should'st  leave 
Thy  favours  incomplete  ?  The  King  deserves 
At  least  to  be  excus'd,  if  he  consent  not 
To  slay  his  subjects*  Daughters  ;  to  this  city 
My  praise  is  due,  and  if  the  Gods  would  place  me 
In  the  same  prosperous  fortunes,  from  my  soul 
Your  benefits  should  never  be  effaced. 
But  now,  alas !  no  counsel  can  I  give 
To  you,  my  children.     Whither  shall  ue  turn? 
What  God  have  we  neglected  ?  To  what  land 
IJave  we  not  jfled  for  shelter  f  We  must  peiish, 
We  sh^U  be  yielded  up.     My  being  doom'd 


474       THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES. 

To  die,  I  heed  but  for  this  cause  alone. 
That  by  my  death,  1  shall  afford  dehght 
To  our  perfidious  foes.     But,  O  my  sons, 
For  you  I  weep,  I  pity  you>  I  pity  .  • 

Alcmena,  aged  Moiher  of  your  Sire, 

0  most  unhappy  in  a  life  too  long!  - 

1  too  am  wretched,  who  unnumbered  toils 
Have  fruitlessly  endurM:  it  was  ordain'd. 
It  was  ordain'd,  alas!  that  we  should  fall 
Into  the  hands  of  our  relentless  foes. 
And  meet  a  shameful,  miserable  death. 
Know  you,  what  still  remains  for  you  to  do. 
On  ray  behalf  ?    For  all  my  hopes  of  saving 
The  children,  are  not  vanish'd,     In  their  stead 
Me  to  the  Argive  host  surrender  up,  ' 
O  King,  and  rush  not  into  needless  danger. 
Yet  save  these  children.     Xo  retain  a  love 

Of  life,  becomes  me  not;  I  yield  it  up 

Without  regret.     It  is  Eurystheus'  wish 

The  rather  to  seize  me,   and  to  expose 

To  infamy,  because  I  was  the  comrade 

Of  Hercules  :  For  frenzy  hath  possest 

His  soi^l.    The  wise  man,  e'en  in  those  he  hates. 

Had  rather  find  discretion  than  a  want 

Of  understanding :   for  a  foe  endued 

(iO)With  sense,  will  pay  due  reverence  to  the  vanquished* 

CHORUS. 

Forbear,  old  Man,  thus  hastily  to  blame 
This  city  :  For  to  us  tho'  it  might  prove 
More  advantageous,   yet  to  our  disgrace 
Would  it  redound,  should  we  betray  our  guests. 

DEMOPHOON. 

A  generous,  but  impracticable  scheme 

(10)  Instead  of  reading  Km  tvy^,  I  have  availed  myself  of  the  altera^ 
tion  of  substituting  KaiTvy^*is,  i.  e.  Keu  atv^y  as  pnoposed  by  Mr,  Tyrwhitt, 
and  approved  by  Dr.  Mnsgrave,  who  in  his  La;dn  version  renders  this 
line,  multam  eniin  clementiam  etiam  infelix  quid  conseqoatur. 


THE  CHII*PREN  OF  HERCULE81       47* 

Is  tl^at  thou  hast  propos'd  :  for  Argoa'  King 
In  quest  of  tbe^  no  squadrons  hither  leads* 
What  profit ;tO;Eurysthiu8  from  the  death 
Of  one  so  old  as  thou  art  could  arise  i  .      / 

He  wants  to  qiurder  thfse :   For  to  their  fo^ 
The  rising  blossoms  of  9  noble  race, 
To  wl^om  the  memory  of  iheir  Father's  wrongs. 
Is  pr^esenty  must  be  dreadflul '  for  all  this  i  ' 

He  cannot  but  foresee.     But  if  thou  know  '  ^ 

Of  any  other  counsel  more  expedient,  ^ » 

.   Adopt  it;  for  my  soul  hath  been  perplex'd> 
Since  that  oraciil^r  response  I  beard  -.  ■     .    W 

^Vhich  fills  me  with  unwelppme  apprehensions.  > 

.    [Exii  DJKMOPHOOK. 

MACARIA,  lOLAUS,  CHORUS. 

MACAHU. 

Deem  nut  that  I,  O  strangers,  am  too  bold    . 
Because  I  from  my  chamber  venture  forth ; 
This  is  my  first  request:  for^leqce,  join'd 
With  modesty  and  a  domestic  life,  ■* 

Is  woman's  best  accomplish ii^ejit.     I  heard 
Your  groans,  O  lolaus,  and  advanced 
Tho'  not  appointed  by  our  house  to  apt  ' 
As  their  eoibassadress  ^  in  some  degree 
Yet  am  I  qualified  for  such  an  office, 
I  have  so  great  aa 'interest in  the  weal 
Of  these^niy  Brothers.;  on  my  own  account 
I  also  wish  to  hear  if  any  ill, 
Added  to  those »you  have  already  suffered, 
Torture  your  soul, 

lOLAUS.  ' 

Not  now  for  the  first  time. 
On  thee,  O  Daughter,  most  of  all  the  children 
Of  Hercules>.  my  praise  can  I  bestow : 
But  our  ill-fated  house,  just  as  it  heeni'd 
Emerging  from  its  past  disgraces,  sinks 


c 

1  , 


>    « 


t  ) 


476       THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES. 

Afresh  into  inextricable  ruin. 

The  King  informs  us,  that  the  Seers,  whose  voice 

Expounds  the  will  of  Heaven,  have  signified   ' 

No  Bull  nor  Heifer,  but  some  blooming  Maid 

Who  from  a  noble  Sire  derives  her  birth. 

Must  be  the  victim,  if  we  would  redeem 

The  city  and  ourselves  from  utter  ruin ; 

Here  then  are  we  perplex'd !  for  his  own  children 

He  says  he  will  not  sacrifice,  nor  those 

Of  any  of  his  subjects.    Tho'  to  me 

Indeed  he  speaks  not  plainly,  in  some  sort 

He  intimates,  that  if  we  by  no  paeans 

Can  extricate  ourselves  from  these  distresses. 

We  must  find  out  some  other  land  to  flee  to. 

For  he  this  realm  would  from  destruction  save, 

MACARIA. 

May  we  indulge  the  hope  of  our  esca  pe 
Upon  these  terms  ? 

IOLAU.S. 

These  only:  in  all  else 
With  prosperous  fortunes  crown'd. 

MACARIA. 

No  longer  dread 
The  spear  of  Argos,  for  myself,  old  Man, 
Am  ready,  ere  they  doom  me  to  be  slain. 
And  here  stand  forth  a  voluntary  victim. 
For  what  could  we  allege  on  our  behalf. 
If  Athens  condescend  to  unders:o 
Dangers  so  great,  while  we  who  have  imposed 
These  toils  on  others,  tho'  within  our  reach  » 

Lie  all  the  means  of  being  sav'd,  yet  shrink 
From  death  ?   Not  thus :  we  should  provoke  the  laugh 
Of  universal  scorn,  if,  with  loud  groans. 
We  suppliants,  at  the  altars  of  the  Gods 
Should  take  our  seats,  and  prove  devoid  of  couri^e. 
From  that  illustrious  Father  tho*  we  spring. 
How  can  the  virtuous  reconcile  such  conduct? 


--*L 


THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES.       477 

This  to  our  glory  would  forsooth  redound, 

(O  may  it  never  happen!)  when  this  city 

Is  taken,  should  we  fail  into  the  hands^ 

Of  our  triumphant  foes,  when  after  all 

Some  noble  Maid  reluctant  must  be  dragged 

To  Pluto's  loath'd  embrace.     But  from  these  realms 

Cast  forth,  should  I  become  an  abject  vagrant. 

Must  [  not  blush  when  any  one  enquires, 

*'  Why  came  ye  hither  with  your  suppliant  branches 

^^  Too  fond  of  life  i  Retreat  from  these  domains,i 

*'  For  we  no  aid  to  cowards  will  afford." 

But  if  when  these  are  deady  my  single  life 

Be  sav'd ;  I  cannot  entertain  a  hope 

That  I  shall  e'er  be  happy :  tho'  this  motive 

Have  caus'd  full  many  to  betray  their  friends. 

For  who  with  a  deserted  Maid  will  join. 

Or  in  the  bonds  of  wedlock,  or  desire 

That  I  to  him  a  race  of  sons  should  bear  i 

I  therefore  hold  it  better  far  to  die. 

Than  to  endure,  without  deserving  them. 

Such  foul  indignities,  as  can  seem  light 

To  ber  alone,  who,  from  a  noble  race 

Like  mine,  descends  not:  to  the  scene  of  death 

Conduct,  with  garlands  crown  me,  and  prepare 

if  ye  think  fit,  th'  initiatory  rites; 

Ye  hence  the  foe  shall  conquer :  for  this  soul 

Shrinks  not  with  mean  reluctance.    I  engage 

For  these  my  Brothers,  and  myself,  to  bleed 

A  willing  victim ;  for  with  ease  detach'd 

From  life,  I  have  imbib'd  thisi  best  of  lessons. 

To  die  with  firmness  in  a  glorious  cause. 

CHORUS. 

Alas !  what  language  shall  I  find,  t'  express 
My  admiration  of  the  lofty  speech 
I  from  this  Virgin  hear,  who  for  her  Brothers, 
Resolves  to  die  i   What  tongue  c^i^  utter  words 


m       THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES. 

More  truly  generous  ;  or  what  man  surpass  ■ 

Such  deeds  as  these  ?  '  '  * 

lOLAUS.  ' 

Thou  art  no  sptiftous  ehild> 
But  from  the  go<llike  seed  of  Hercules/ 
O  Daughter,  dost  indeed  derive  thy  birth. 
Altho'  thy  words  are  such  as  cannot  shame/ 
Thy  fate  afflicts  me.     Yet  will  1  propose 
What  may  with  greater  justice  be  performed. 
Together  call  the  Sisters  of  this  Maid, 
And  to  atone  for  the  whole  race,  let  heir 
On    whom  th'  impartial  lot  shall  fall,   be  slain  ;  - 
But  without  such  decision  'lis  not  just 
That  thou  should'st  die.  :    .     .: 

MACARIA.  '  ^ 

i  will  not  die  as  chance         ^ 
The  lot  dispenses;  for  I  hence  should  forfeit 
All  merit :  name  not  such  a  scheme,  old  Man*  ' 
If  me  ye  will  accept,  and  of  my  zeal 
Avail  yourselves,  I  gladly  yield  up  life 
Upon  these  terms,  but  sioop  not  to  constraint* 

lOLAUS. 

The  speech  thou  now  has  utterM  soars  beyond 
What  thou  at  first  didst  say,  tho*  that  was  nobfe : 
But  thou  thy  former  courage  dost  surpass 
By  tbis  fresh  instance  of  exalted  courage. 
The  merit  of  thy  former  words,  bywords 
More  meritorious.     Daughter,  I  comiliand  not^ 
Nor  yet  oppose  thy  death :  for  thou  by  dying 
Wilt  serve  thy  Brothers.  1 

MACARIA. 

You  in  cautious  terms 
Command  me :  fear  not,  lest  on  my  account 
You  should  contract  pollution  :  for  to  die 
Is  my  free  choice.     But  follow  me,  old  Man, 
For  in  your  arms  would  I  expire  :  attend, 


i^ 


THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES,       479 

And  o'er  my  body  cast  the  decent  veil : 
To  dreadful  slaughter  dauntless  I  go  forth, 
Because  I  from  that  Father  spring,  whose  napie 
With  pride  I  utter. 

lOLAUS.  . 

At  the  hour  of  death 
I  cannot  stand  beside  thee. 

MACARIA. 

Grant  but  this, 
That  when  I  breathe  my  last,  I  may  be  tended 
By  women,  not  by  men. 

lOLAUS.  (11) 

It  shall  be  thus, 
O  miserable  Virgin  :  for  in  me 
TTwere  base,  if  I  neglected  any  rite 
That  decency  enjoins,  for  many  reasons; 
Because  thy  soul  is  great,  because  'tis  just. 
And  of  all  women  I  have  ever  seen. 
Because  thou  art  most  wretched.     But  from  these 
And  from  thy^ged  kinsman,  if  thou  wish     - 
For  aught,  tft  me  thy  last  behests  address. 

MACARICA. 

Adieu,  my  venerable  friend,  adieu  ! 
Instruct  these  boys  in  every  branch  of  wisdom. 
And  make  them  like  yourself,  they  can  attain 


(11)  Mr.  Heath,Mr.  Tyrwliitt,  and  Dr.  iMusgrave  iii  his  Latin  venioo, 
put  this  speech  into.  the«mouth  of  Demophoon,  and  with  great  ap- 
pearance of  probability  :  but  from  his  having  no  concern  either  m  the 
preceding  part  of  the  dialogue,  or  throughout  the  remamder  of  the 
Tragedy,  I  am,  upon  the  whole,  induced  to  mark  his  final  exit  at  v.  474 
of  Barnes's  edition,  immediately  before  the  entrance  of  Macaria,  not 
seeing  where  it  can  with  propriety  be  placed  in  any  subsequent  part  of 
this  piece,  and  aware  of  the  absurdity  of  supposing  the  Kmg  to  remain  on 
the  stage  as  a  mute  character  for  the  space  of  more  than  three  acts ;  as  to 
the  close  of  the  speech  before  us,  instead  of  supposing  the  person  by 
whom  it  is  uttered  leaving  the  stage,  it  evidentiy  invites  that  rsply  which 
Macaria  immediately  commences  with  addressing  herself  to  lolauf, 
whom  1  therefore  apprehend  tp  be  now  speaking. 


480       THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES- 

No  higher  pitch  ;  strive  to  protect  them  still. 
And  for  their  sake  that  valued  life  prolong; 
Your  children  we,  to  you  our  nurture  owe. 
Me  you  hehold,  mature  for  bridal  joys, 
t)ying  to  save  them.     But  may  ye,  my  hand 
Of  Brothers  who  are  here,  he  blest,  and  gain 
All  those  advantages,  which  to  procure 
For  you,  the  falchion  shall  transpierce  my  breast. 
Revere  this  good  Old  Man,  revere  Alcmena 
Your  Fathet's  aged  Mother,  and  these  Strangers. 
Should  ye  be  ever  rescued  from  your  woes. 
Should  gracituis  Heaven  permit  you  to  revisit 
Your  native  land,  forget  not  to  inter. 
With  such  magnificence  as  I  deserve. 
Your  benefactress,  for  I  have  not  prov'd 
Deficient  in  attention  to  your  welfare. 
But  die  to  save  our  family.    To  me 
These  monumental  honours  shall  suffice 
Instead  of  children,  or  the  virgin  state. 
If  there  be  aught  amid  the  realms  beneath, 
But  *tis  my  wish  there  may  not :  for  if  grirf 
On  us  frail  mortals  also  there  attend, 
I  know  not  whither  any  one  can  turn  : 
For  bv  the  wise  hath  death  been  ever  deem'd 
The  most  effectual  cure  for  every  ill. 

lOLAUS. 
O  thou,  distinguished  by  thy  lofty  soul> 
Be  well  assurM  thy  glory  shall  outshine 
That  of  all  other  women ;  both  in  life 
And  death,  shalt  thou  be  honoured  by  thy  friends. 
But  ah,  farewell !  for  with  ill-omen'd  words 
1  tremble  lest  we  should  provoke  the  Goddess, 
Dread  Proserpine,  to  whom  thou  now  art  sacred. 

[Exit  MACARIA. 

My  sons  I  perish :  grief  unnerves  my  frame ; 
Support  and  place  me  in  the  hallow'd  seat : 
And,  O  my  dearest  children,  o'er  my  face 


THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES*       481 

Extencl  this  garment :  for  I  am  not  pleas'd 

With  what  isS  done :  yet,   had  not  Heaven's  response 

Found  this  completion,  we  m\i$t  all  have  died ; 

For  we  must  theii  have  suffered  greater  ills 

Than  these,  which  ^retalready  most  severe. 

CHORUS. 

ODE. 

In  just  proportion,   as  the  Gods  ordain, 
Is  bliss  diffused  thro'  life*^  short  span. 
Or  sorrow  portion'd  out  to  man  : 
No  favoured  house  can  still  marntain 
From  age  to  age  its  prosperous  state. 

For  swift  are  the  vicissitudes  of  Fate, 

Who  now  assails  Pride's  towering  crest. 
Now  makes  the  drooping  exile  blest. 
From  Destiny  we  cannot  fly  ; 
No  wisdom  can  her  shafts  repel ; 

But  he  who  vainly  dates  her  power  defy 

Compass'd  with  endless  toils  saall  dwell. 
Ask  not  from  Heaven  with  impious  prayer, 
Blessings  it  cannot  grant  to  man. 
Nor  waste  in  misery  life's  short  span 
O'erwhcloi'd  by  querulous  despair. 

The  Nymph  goes  forth  to  meet  a  noble  death. 
Her  Brothers  and  this  land  to  save^ 
And  Fame,  with  tributary  breath. 
Shall  sound  her  praises  in  the  grave. 
For  dauntless  Virtue  finds  a  way 

Thro'  labours  which  her  progress  would  delay. 
Such  deeds  as  these,  her  Father  grace, 
And  add  fresh  splendoui^  to  her  race. 

But  if  with  reverential  awe  thou  shed 
Over  the  virtuous  dead 

A  tear  of  pity,  in  that  tear  PH  join, 
Inspir'd  with  sentiments  like  thine. 

VOL.  II.  II 


482       THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES. 
SERVANT,  lOLAUS,  CHORUS. 

SERVANT. 

Ye  children,  hail !  bat  where  is  lolaas. 
That  aged  maa ;  and  hath  your  Grandame  left 
Her  seat  before  the  altar  ? 

lOLAUS. 

Here  am  I, 
If  aught  my  presence  can  avail. 

SERVANT. 

On  earth 
Why  art  thou  stretcht,  what  means  that  downcast  look.^ 

lOLAUS. 

Domestic  cares  have  harrow'd  up  my  soul. 

SERVANT. 

Lift  up  thy  head,  arise. 

lOLAUS. 

I  a.m  grown  old. 
And  all  my  strength  is  vanish'd. . 

SERVANT. 

But  to  thee 
I  bring  most  joyfql  tidings. 

lOLAUS. 

Who  art  thou?  , 

Where,  have  I  seen  thee  ?  I  remember  not. 

:    SERVANT. 

Hyllus'  attendant,  canst  thou  not  distinguish 
These  features  ? 

lOLAUS. 

O  my  friend,  art  thou  arriv'd 
To  snatch  me  from  despair  ? 

SERVANT. 

Most  certainly: 
Moreover  the  intelligence  I  bring 
Will  make  thee  happy. 

lOLAUS. 

The§  I  call,  come  forth. 


THffi  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES.      483 

Alcmena,  Mother  of  a  noble  Son, 

And  listen  to  these  acceptable  tidings : 

Full  long  thy  soul,  for  those  who  now  approach^ 

Was  torn  with  grief,  lest  they  should  ne'er  return. 

ALCMEN A,  SERVANT,  IOLAUS,  CHORUS* 

ALCMENA. 

Whence  with  your  voice  resounds  this  echoing  dome  ? 

0  lolaus,  is  another  Herald 

From  Argos  come,  who  forcibly  assails  you  ? 
My  strength  indeed  is  small,  yet  be  assured 
Of  this,  presumptuous  stranger,  while  I  live. 
Thou  shalt  not  bear  them  hence.     May  I  no  more 
Be  deem'd  the  Mother  of  thatgodlike  Son, 
When  I  submit  to  this.     But  if  thou  dare 
To  touch  the  children,  with  two  aged  foes 
Ignobly  wilt  thou  strive. 

IOLAUS. 

Be  of  good  cheer, 
Thou  hoary  Matron,  banish  these  alarms; 
No  Herald  with  an  hostile  message  comes 
From  Argos. 

ALCMENA. 

Why  then  rais'd  you  that  loud  voice, 
The  harbinger  of  fear : 

IOLAUS.' 

That  from  the  temple 
Thou  migbt'st  come  forth,  and  join  us. 

ALCMENA. 

What  you  mean 

1  comprehend  not.    Who  is  this  i 

IOLAUS. 

He  tells  us 
Thy  Grandson  marches  hither. 

ALCMENA. 

Hail,  Othou 
Who  bear'st  these  welcome  tidings!  but  what  brings  him 

I  I  2 


484      THE  CHILDRfiN  OF  H£ACtJttlg. 

To  these  domaios  ?  Where  k  he  i  Wbtf  aflfairs 
Prevented  him  from  cotnidg  hither  with  the^*^ 
To  fill  my  soul  with  transport  ? 

He  now  marshals 
The  forced  trhich  attend  him. 

In  this  conferenee 
Am  I  no  longer  then  allow'd  to  join  ? 

Thou  art :  bat  'tis  mj  busine^  to  efiqtiire 
Into  these  matt^rs^ 

SEItVANT. 

Which  of  his  traAsadtiotis 
Say  art  thou  moit  solickoUs  to  kflow  \ 

lOLAiJir. 

The  number  of  the  troops  lie  leads  ? 

Is  great^ 
I  cannot  count  ih^^. 

The  Athenian  chiefs 
Are  sure  apprized  of  this* 

8EitVANT* 
They  are  appriz'd. 
And  the  left  wing  is  form'd. 

IOLAU!^. 

Then  the  whok  hoiH 
Array'd  in  arms  is  ready  for  the  battle. 

SERVANT. 

The  victims  to  a  distance  from  the  fatiki^ 
Aheady  are  remov'd. 

lOLAUS. 

But  at  what  distanoi* 
Is  the  encarapmenl  of  the  Argive  warrioi*s  ? 

SERVANT. 

So  near'  thai  we  their  Itsodtf  oatt  distidgukhi. 


/  . 
{ 


TiiE  CHILDRfiN  OP  HmCVU^      485 

IOLAU8. 

What  is  he  doing  ;  marshaling  our  fo^s  f 

«£EVANT. 
Tl^U  w^  cQQJe^tur€  :  for  }  couid  not  hear 
His  voice:  but  I  must  go;  fpr  I  my  Lord 
Will  not  abandon  when  he  nobly  braves 
The  dangef^  q{  th^  £eld. 

I  too  with  thee 
Will  join  hiiQ  ;  for  the  same  are  our  intentions^ 
As  honour  bids  us^  to  (Assist  iQur  friends. 

SERVANT^ 
Unwisely  hast  thou  spoken. 

With  my  friends 
Shall  |ij^H  I  then  the  stubborn  conilict  ^\}dLie  ? 

SERVANT. 

(12)  That  strength  which  erst  w&s  thine  is  now  no  more* 

IOLAU6. 

Can  I  not  pierce  their  shields? 

Xhou  piay^t:  b«t  hristj 

IMore  likely,  fall  thyself.  . 

I.OLAUS. 
N<f>  foe  wi^  4are 

To  .meet  m,e  f^ice  to  fnce. 

By  thy  mere  loojis. 
With  that  debiliteited  arm,  no  wound 
Canst  thou  infliet, 

lOLAUS. 
My  presence  in  ithe  field 


(it)  This  and  the  four  next  lines  are  arranget}  in  ^ic  tx^j^M^n, 
according  to  the  method  of  transposing  them,  recommended  in  Dr.  Mus- 
grave's  note,  as  the  connection  seems  thereby  better  presei-ynd ;  they 
stM4  in  this  oixler,  5)  ^,  3,  4,  1,  in  Barnes^  and  the  other  editors. 


486      THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES. 

Will  to  our  troops  give  courage,  and  augment 
Their  number. 

SERVANT. 

Of  small  service  to  thy  friends 
Will  thy  appearance  prove. 

lOLAUS. 

Detain  me  not : 
I  for  some  glorious  action  am  prepared. 

SERVANT. 

Thou  hast  the  will  to  act,  but  not  the  power. 

lOLAUS. 
I  will  not  be  reproach'd  for  loitering  here. 
Say  what  thou  wilt  beside 

SERVANT. 

But  without  arms 
How  wilt  thou  face  yon  warriors  sheath 'd  in  mail  ? 

lOLAUS. 

The  various  implements  of  war  are  lodg'd 
Beneath  these  roofs;  with  freedom  will  I  use. 
And  if.  I  live,  return  them :  if  I  die. 
The  God  will  not  demand  them  back  again. 
Go  then  into  the  temple,  and  reach  down 
Those  martial  trappings  from  the  golden  nails 
On  which  they  hang,  and  brijig  them  to  me  swiftly. 
For  this  were  infamous,  while  some  are  fighting, 
If  others  loiter  slothfuUy  behind.  [Exii  servant. 

CHORUS. 

Time  hath  not  yet  debas'd  that  lofty  soul, 
'Tis  vigorous,  tha'  thy  body  be  decay'd. 
Why  should'st  thou  enter  on  these  fruitless  tdils. 
Which  only  injure  thee,  and  to  our  city 
Can  be  of  little  service?  on  thy  age 
Should'st  thou  reflect,  and  lay  aside  attempts 
That  are  impossible ,  for  by  no  arts 
The  long-lost  force  of  youth  canst  thou  regain. 

ALCMENA. 

^Vhat  schemes  are  these?  distempef'd  in  yopr  mind. 


THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULESj       487 
Me  and  my  Children  mean  you  to  abandon? 

lOLAUS. 

The  battle  is  man's  province  :  to  thy  care 
Them  I  consign. 

ALC^fENA. 

But  if  you  die,  what  means 
Have  I  of  being  sav'd  ? 

lOLAUS.    . 

The  tender  care 
Of  the  surviving  children  qf  thy  Son. 

ALCMENA. 

Should  they  too  meetJwrith,$ome  severe  mishap, 
Which  may  tb.e  Gods  forbid. 

JQLAUS. 

Thege  generous  strangers 
Will  not  betray  tbee;  banish,  every  fear. 

ALCMBNA.  \^ 

In  them  I  trust:  I  have  no  other  fi^iead.   '  . 
Jove  too,  I  knowy  is.  mindful  of  (by;  toil^  -      .  {'i 

I  ALCMENA. v.  .    '  '..'..■. 

I  will  not  speak  in  disre^pi^fui  terms 
Of  Jov^:^;jbuti?nrbeth^r  be  his  plighted  troth 
Have  kepil^ifull  well  |:)e  kiiows».       .  ,      «.,.- 

SERVANT    (reiummg). 

;  r .  .  Tkofi  bene:  I^liold'st 

The  brazen  panoply>  now  haste  to .sbeatbex:  -  , 
Thy  limbs  in  mail ;  the  battiojs  at  hand, 
^nd  Mara^detestB  a  loiterer  :  if  thou  fear 
Accoutrements  so  ponderous,  to  the  fieW-  - 

Advance  disarm'd,  nor  till  thou  join  the  ranks 
Wear  tb^se  unwiel<ty  trappings ;  for  meantime 
I  in  my  band^  their  burdep  will  (lu^tain^  •    ;  i.  .«•]  >  '  .' 

lOLAUS. 

Well  hast  thou  spoken ;  with  those:  arms,  attend  mc 
Ready  for  the  encounter,  place  a  spear 


488      THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES. 

In  my  right  hand,  and  under  my  left>ajrm/ 
Hold  me,  and  guide  my  »tep3. 

SERVANT. 

Shall  I  oonduct  .-* 

A  warrior  like  a  child  ? 

lOIAUS. 

I  must  tiread  siire^ 
Else  'twere  an  evil  omen. 

SERVANT. 

Would  thy  power 
Equal'd  thy  zeal. 

lOliATJS. 

Haste  :  greatly 'twill  afflict  me 
If,  left  behind,  I  cannot  join  the  fray. 

SERVANT. 

Slow  are  thy  steps, and  hence  thov  deem^Bt  I  move  not. 

lOLAUS. 

Beh oldest  thoti  tiot  the  swiftness  of  my  pace  ? 

SERVANT. 

Thou  to  thyself  I  see  appear'st  to  hasten, 
Altho'  thou  gain'st  no  ground. 

lOLAUS. 

When  hi  the  Geld 
Thou  seest  nje,  thou  wilt  own  L  speak  the  truth. 

SERVANT. 

What  great  exploit  atchieving?  I  could  wish 
That  thou  migbf si  prove  victorious^ 

JOI^US. 

Thro*  hissiiieM 
Some  foe  transfixing^ 

SERVANT. 

We  at  length  may  reach 
Th*  embattled  plain,  but  this  I  greatly  fear. 

lOLAUS. 

Ah,  would  to  Heaven,  that  thou,  my  wither'd  arm. 
Again  wert  vigoroqs,  as  Uk  former  dayis 


THE  CHII^DREN  OF  HERCUfcES-      480 

Thee  I  remember,  when  thou  didst  lay  waste 
The  (I.S)  Spurtcoa  realms  with  Hercules;  thus  figjjit 
My  battles  now,  and  singly  will  I  triumph 
Over  Eurystheus,  for  that  dastard  ft»flr« 
To  face  the  dangers  of  th'  embattled  field : 
Too  apt  in  our  ideas  to  unit^ 
Valour  with  wealthy  yet  to  the  prosperous  man 
Superior  wisdom  /'aisly  we  ascribe. 

lExeuni  lOLAVs  and  sbavant* 

CHORUS. 

ODE. 

O  fostering  Ear(;h|  fe^lendeut  JI4ooii» 
Who  giadd'st  the  dreary  shades  of  nighi;. 
And  thou,  enthroned  at  broadest  noon, 
Hyperion,  'midst  exhaustless  light. 
To  me  propitious  tidings  briug. 
Raise  to  the  skies  a  festive  sound. 
And  waft  the  gladsome  notes  around, 
Till,  from  the  palace  of  our  I^ing,  . 

They  echo  thro'  Minerva's  fiuje  ; 
My  house,  my  coimti:y^  to  maintain 
Against  the  ru.t^l^^sppile^r'js  pride^ 
Menac'd  because  this  realm  extends 
Protection  to  its  suppliant  frien4s> 
I  with  the  sword  our  contest  wij I,  d^cide^ 
•  > 

(13)  "  This  pasfeiige  refers  to  the  Mstory  which  relates  ^t  Hercules, 
**  on  account  of  their  haiping  shuD  his  Cousm  Oeonns,  Son  of  licymnias 
*'  Alcmena's  Br<^tber,  made  war  os  tb^  Sfxm  of  H^poccoonand  I^ace- 
**  daemon,  and  having  overcome  them,  a^d  taken  the  city  of  Sparta, 
"  reduced  it  nnder  the  dominion  of  Tyndaros,  with  Whom  he  nearly 
**  connected  hknseff  by  marria^,  takmglio  i^ifb  Denmira,  tlie  Daug^ 
**  ter  of  Oeneus  an4i  AHhvea^  a»d  Niece  of  Ledai  See  Sehi)|iafit  on  the 
**  Orestes  of  Euripides,  v.  457,  Pausanias  Lacon,  p.  244,  ed.  Kuhnii, 
*^  and  ApoUo()oni8,  i«.  u,c,7,  $.  3,  after  takii^  Pylos,  Herouies  fought 
*^  against  Sparta,  wishing  to  punish  tlie  Sons  of  Hippocooii ;  which  is 
'*  here  spoken  of  by  Euripides,  because  he  was  not  fond  of  the  Lace- 
<*  daemonians."  :     .:     .      >B^aat* 


t:^:^.^ 


490      THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES. 

L    2. 
Altho*  there  seem  just  cause  for  dread^ 
When  cities  like  Mycene  blest 
Whose  triumphs  fame  hath  widely  spread 
Enter  this  region  tc  invest 
Our  bulwarks,  harbouring  ruthless  bate. 
Think,  O  my  country,  think  what  shame. 
Should  we  reject  the  suppliant's  claim 
Appall'd  by  Argos'  haughty  state. 
Resistless  Jove  shall  aid  the  spear 
I  brandish  unappall'd  by  fear; 
The  tribute  of  eternal  praise 
From  all  that  breathe,  to  him  is  due : 
Nor  magnified  by  our  weak  view 
Shall  men  above  the  Gods  their  trophies  raise. 

n.   I. 

Descend  with  venerable  mien, 
O  thou  our  Guardian  and  our  Queen, 
For  on  thy  fostering  soil  we  stand,      •  • 
These  walls  were  rear'd  by  thy  comniand. 

Drive  from  our  menac'd  gates  the  lawless  host. 
Suppress  that  Argive  tyrant's  boast; 

For  if  by  you*  unaided,  is  this  hand 
Too  weak  their  fury  to  withstapd. 

•   ■■  ■  n.*'  2:'' 

Thee,  Q  Minerva,  we  adore;  ' 
Thy  altar  e^er  streams  with  gore; 
We  on  each  Moon's  poncluding  day 
To  thee  our  public  homage  pay  ; 

Thro*  every  fane  harmonious  numbers  sounds 
,  Sweet  minstrelsy  then  breathes'  around. 

And  th'  echoing  hills  their  nightly  dance  repeat 
As  the  Nymphs  move  with  agile  feet. 

SERVANT,  ALCMENA,  CHORUS. 

:..••.  SERVANT*. 

O  royal  Dame,  the  message  that  to  you 


«• 


THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES      491 

I  bring,  is  both  concise,  and  what  reflects 
On  me  abundant  glory  to  relate, 
In  fight  have  we  prevail'd,  and  trophies  rear'd 
On  which  the  armour  of  your  foes  is  hung. 

ALCMENA. 
This  day  hath  brought  thee  hither,  O  my  friend^ 
Thy  freedom  for  such  tidings  to  receive  : 
But  one  anxiety  there  still  remains 
To  which  thou  leav'st  me  subject;  much  I  fear 
For  the  important  lives  of  those  I  love. 

SERVANT 

They  live,  and  have  obtain'd  from  all  the  host 
The  greatest  fame. 

ALCMENA. 

And  lolaus  too 
My  aged  friend? 

SERVANT. 

Yet  more,  he  hath  performed 
Thro'  the  peculiar  favour  of  the  Gods 
Exploits  most  memorable. 

ALCMENA. 

What  glorious  deed 
Hath  he  atchiev'd  in  fight  ? 

SERVANT. 

From  an  old  man. 
He  is  grown  young  again. 

ALCMENA. 

Thou  speak'st  of  things  • 
Most  wonderful.     But  first,  how  fought  our  friends 
With  such  success,  I  wish  thee  to  inform  me. 

SERVANT. 

All  that  hath  pass'd,  at  once  will  I  relate: 
When,  to  each  other  in  the  field  oppos'd, 
We  had  arrang'd  both  armies,  and  spread  forth 
The  van  of  battle  to  its  full  extent, 
Ilyllus  alighting  from  his  chariot,  stood 
In  the  mid-way  'twixt  either  host,  and  cri(^d ; 


41l€      THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES. 

'^  Thou  leader  of  the  Argive  troops^  who  com'st 

*^  With  hostile  fury  to  invade  this  land, 

"  Thy  interesti  recoxBusend  what  I  propose^ 

''  Nor  can  Myc€ii€  saSer  from  the  loss 

^^  If  thou  deprive  her  of  a  single  warrior  ; 

'^  Therefore  with  me  encounter  hand  to  haad, 

'^  And  if  thou  stay  me,  seize  and  bear  away 

''  The  Sons  of  Hercules ;  but  if  thou  die, 

'^  My  palace  and  hereditary  rank 

**  Permit  me  to  enjoy/'    The  troops  assented. 

And  prais'd  what  he  had  spoken  as  the  means 

Of  finisbiiig  their  labours,  and  a  proof 

Of  his  exalted  courage.     But  Eurystbcas 

Unmov'd  by  reverence  for  th'  assembled  host 

Who  heard  the  challenge,  and  with  terror  smitten. 

Forgot  the  General's  part,  nor  dar'd  to  fa<!e 

The  lifted  spear,  but  acted  like  a  dastard: 

Yet  he  who  was  thus  destitute  of  courage 

Came  to  enslave  the  Sons  of  Hjercuks. 

Hyllus  again  retreated  to  his  raaic ; 

The  Prophets  too,  when  they  perceiv'd  no  peace 

Could  be  effected  by  a  single  combat. 

Without  delay  the  blooming  Virgin  slew. 

Auspicious  victim,  from  whose  pallid  lips 

Her  trembling  spirit  fled.     The  lofty  car 

Some  mounted,  o'er  their  sides  while  others  flung 

Their  bucklers  to  protect  them.     To  his  host. 

Meantime  the  King  of  Athens,  in  a  strain 

Worthy  of  his  exalted  courage,  spoke: 

^^  Ye  citizens,  the  la«d  to  which  y^  owe 

'^  Your  nourishment  and  biith,  now  claims  your  aid." 

Equally  loth  to  sully  the  renown 

Of  Argos  and  Mycenc,  in  like  terms 

The  Foe  besought  his  partners  of  the  war 

Their  utmost  vigour  to  exert.     No  sooner 

Had  the  loud  signal  by  Etruria's  trump 

Been  given,  thaw  they  in  thickest  battle  join'd. 


THE  CHILDREN  OF'  HERCULES.      495 

Think  with  whdt  eirash  their  brazen  shields  resounded^ 

W^bat  groans  and  intermingled  shouts  were  heard ! 

First  thro*  our  lines  the  host  of  Argos  bursty 

And  in  their  turn  gave  yvaj  s  then  foot  to  foot^ 

And  man  to  man  oppos'd,  in  stobborti  conflict 

We  all  persisted  :  multitudes  were  slain. 

But  in  this  language  either  Chief  his  troops 

Encouraged ;  **  O  ye  citizens  of  Athent^^ 

'^  O  ye  who  till  the  fruitful  Argive  field> 

^'  Will  ye  not  fi-om  yotir  native  land  repel 

'^  The  foul  disgrace?*'  But  with  our  utmost  efforts 

Scarce  could  we  put  to  flight  the  Aigivehost. 

When  lolaus  saw  young  Hyllus  break 

The  ranks  of  battle,  he  with  lifted  hands 

Entreated  him  to  place  him  m  bis  car^ 

Then  seiz'd  the  reinSj  and  onward  in  pursuit 

Of  the  swift  cotirsets  of  Enrystheus  drove. 

As  to  the  sequel ;  frofti  report  alone 

Let  others  speak,  I  tell  what  I  have  seen : 

(14)  While  thro'  Pallen^*s  streets  he  pass'd,  where  rise 

Minerva's  altars^  soon  ag  he  descried 

The  chariot  of  Eurystheus,  he  a  prayer 

Addressed  to  blooming  Hebe,  and  to  Jove, 

That  for  that  single  day  he  might  recover 


<  1. 


(14)  The  Pallene  here  spoken  of,  by  the  slight  accounts  of  it  which 
BrodaDus  has  collected  ff6m  Stephanas  By^antinus  and  Herodottis,  dp- 
pears  to  have  b^eihi  a  sinAll  town  In  Attica,  situated  between  Athcfis 
and  Marathon,  th«  scene  of  this  Tragedy.  Athenaeus,  la  liis  «ixth 
book,  mentions  the  inscriptions  on  some  votive  otferings  in  this  temple 
at  Pallene,  which  Dalechamp,  one  of  his  commentators,  confounds  with 
Pcllene,  hi  Actona.  In  vahi  do  we  recur  to  Strabo  for  farther  particu- 
lars ;  the  Pattene  spoken  of  ib  the  gleamngs  sul)joi]ied,  in  GfeiusabMi*s 
edition,  to  his  seventh  book^  being  the  peuuosii|a  in  ^acedon,  otlierw&ie.^ 
called  Phlegra,  where  the  battle  was  fought  between  the  Gods^  and 
Giants.  From  Minerva  being  called  by  Eurystlieus,  in  the  last  scehe 
of  this  Tragedy,  the  Pallenian  Gt)ddess,  we  must  Infer  that  tfcfe  tertple 
there  erected  to  her  was  one  of  the  most  celebrated  in  the  Athenian  ter- 
ritories, which  it  is  weU  known  wert^  crowded  with  her  altars,  she  being 
considered  as  the  tutelar  Deity  of  the  land,  and  having  given  her  name 
to  its  capital  city. 


494        THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES. 

The  pristine  vigour  of  bis  youth,  and  punish 

His  foes  as  they  deserve.     You  now  shall  hear 

What  a  miraculous  event  ensued ; 

Two  stars  'bove  lolaus'  chariot  stood^ 

Ahd  overshadowed  it  with  gloomy  clouds. 

Which,   by  the  wise  'tis  said,  were  Hercules 

Your  Son,  and  blooming  Hebe :  from  that  mist 

Which  veird  the  skies,  the  Chief  gtown  young  again, 

Displayed  his  vigorous  arms,  and  near  the  rocks 

Of  Seyron,  seiz'd  Eurystheus  in  his  car. 

Bindiug  his  hands  with  chains,  he  hither  brings 

The  Argive  tyrant,  a  distinguished  prize. 

Who  once  was  happy;  but  on  all  mankind 

Loudly  inculcates  by  his  present  fortunes  \ 

This  lesson  ;  not  too  rashJy  to  ascribe 

Felicity  to  him  who  in  appearance 

Is  prosperous,  but  to  wait  till  we  b^hol4) 

His  close  of  life ;  for  Fortune  day  by  day 

Doth  waver.  .  ; 

CHORtf  S. 

Thou  great  author  of  success, 
O  Jove,  at  length  am  I  allow'd  to  view 
The  day,  by  which  my  terrors  are  dispell'd. 

ALCMENA. 

Twas  late  indeed,  when  thou,  O  Jove,  didst  look 
On  my  afflictions  ;  yet  am  I  to  thee 
Most  grateful  for  the  kindness  thou  hast  shewn  me. 
And  tho*  I  erst  believ'd  not  that  my  ISon 
Dwells  with  the  Gods,  I  clearly  know  it  now. 
Now,  O  my  Children,  ye  from  all  your  toils 
Shall  be  set  free,  and  of  Eurystheus,  doom'd 
With  shame  to  perish,  burst  the  galling  yoke, 
Behold  your  Father's  city,  the  rich  fields 
Of  your  inheritance  again  possess. 
And  sacrifice  to  your  paternal  Gods, 
Prom  whom  excluded,  in  a  foreign  land 
Ye  led  a  wandering  miserable  life. 


THE  CHILDHEN  OF  HERCULES.       400 

But  with  what  sage  design  yet  undisclosed. 

Hath  lolaus  spar'd  Eurystheus'  life, 

Inform  me;  for  to  us  it  seems  unwise 

Not  to  avenge  our  wrongs  when  we  have  caught 

Our  enemies. 

SERVANT. 

He  thro'  respect  to  you 
Hath  acted  thus,  that  you  might  see  the  Tyrant 
Vanquished,  and  rendered  subject  to  your  power, 
Not  by  his  own  consent,  but  in  the  yoke 
Bound  by  Necessity;  for  he  was  loth 
To  come  into  your  presence,  ere  he  bleed. 
And  suffer  as  he  merits.     But  farewell, 
O  venerable  Matron,  and  remember 
The  promise  you  first  made  when  I  begaii 
These  tidings,  and  O  set  me  free  :  for  nought 
But  truth  should  from  ingenuous  lips  proceed. 

lExit  SERVANT. 
CHORUS. 

ODE. 

'  I.  1. 

^  To  me  the  choral  song  is  sweet. 
When  the  shrill  flute  and  genial  banquet  meet, 
If  Venus  also  grace  the  festive  board : 
I  taste  a  more  refin'd  delight 
Now  I  behold  my  friends  (transporting  sight !) 
To  unexpected  happiness  restored. 
For  in  this  nether  world,  eventful  Fate, 
And  Saturn's  offspring  Time,  full  many  a  change  create. 

I.  2. 

Follow  the  plain  and  beaten  way. 
From  Justice,  O  my  country,  never  stray. 
Nor  cease  the  Powers  immortal  to  revere. 

To  heights  scarce  short  of  frenzy  rise 
The  errors  of  that  mortal,  who  denies 
Assent  to  truths  confirmed  by  proofs  so  clear.    ■ 


496      THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULtS. 

Jove's  power  by  signal  judgements  w  descried. 
Oft  as  his  vengeance  blasts,  the  towering  crest  of  pride. 

n.  I. 

In  heavenly  mansions  with  the  blest. 
Thy  Son,  O  venerable  Dame,  doth  rest ; 
He  hath  confuted  those  invidious  tales, 

That  to  loath'd  Phito*s  house  he  came 
Soon  OS  he  perishM  in  that  dreadful  flame :  (15) 
He  tinder  roofs  of  burnish'd  gold  regales. 
On  the  soft  couch  of  lovely  Hebe  placM; 
Tbem  two,   both  sprung  from  Jove,  O  Hymen,  thoa 

hast  grac'd. 

II.  2. 
Events,  >vhicb  strike  man's  wondering  eyes. 
From  a  variety  of  causes  rise. 
For  fame  relates,  how  Pallas  sav'd  the  Sire, 

And  from  her  city  far  renown'd. 
Her  race,  protection  have  the  Children  found ; 
She  hath  suppressed  tli'  o'erweening  Tyrant's  ire, 
Whose  violence  no  laws  coiild  e'er  control ; 
Curse  on  such  boundless  pride,  that  fever  of  the  soul. 

MESSENGER,   EURYSTHEUS,   ALCMENA^ 

CHORUS. 

MESSENGER. 

Your  eyes  indeed  behold,  O  royal  Dame, 
Yet  shall  this  tongue  declaie,  that  we  have  brought 
Eurystheus  hither,  unexpected  sight. 
Reverse  of  fortune  his  presumptuous  soul 
Foresaw  not,  this  oppressor  little  deem'd 
That  he  should  ever  fall  iuto  your  hands, 
When  from  Mycene,  by  the  Cyclops'  toll 

(15)  "  On  mount  Oeta,  where  Hercules,  tortured  by  the  p<*isoned 
**  vest  'whieh- Hie  Centaur  Nessus  had  given  to  Deianira,  threw  himself 
**  into  a  funereal  pyre,- and  was  bnm^  to  death.  See  ApoUodorus, 
**  Natalis  Comes'  Mythology,  the  Trachiniaa  of  Sophpdes,  and  Seneca's 
**  Hercules  Oetsus.'*  Barnes. 


THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES.      497 

Erected,  he  those  squadrons  led,  and  hop'd 
Wiih  pride  o'erweeiiing  to  lay  Athens  waste  ; 
But  Heaven  our  situation  hath  reversed  : 
And  therefore  with  exulting  Hyllus  joins 
The  valiant  lolaus,  in  erecting 
Trophies  to  Jove  tlie  author  of  our  conquest. 
But  they  to  you  commanded  me  to  lead 
This  captive,  wishing  to  delight  your  soul: 
For  'tis  most  grateful  to  behold  a  foe 
Fall'n  from  the  height  of  gay  prosperity. 

ALCMENA. 

Com'st  thou,  detested  wretch  I  at  length  hath  Justice 
O'ertaken  thee  ?   First  hither  turn  thy  head, 
And  dare  to  face  thine  enemies :  for,  dwindled 
Into  a  vassal^  thou  no  longer  rul'st. 
Art  thou  the  Man  (for  I  would  know  the  truth) 
Who  did'st  presume  to  heap  unnumber'd  wrongs. 
Thou  author  of  all  mischief,  on  my  Son 
While  yet  he  liv'd,  whereever  now  resides 
His  dauntless  spirit  ?  For  in  what  one  instance 
Didst  thou  not  injure  h'ltn  t   At  thy  command. 
Alive  he  travell'd  to  th*  infernal  shades; 
Thou  sent'st,   and  didst  commission  him  to  slay 
Hydras  and  Lions.     Various  other  mischiefs, 
Which  were  by  thee  contriv'd,  I  mention  not. 
For  an  attempt  to  speak  of  them  at  large 
Would  be  full  tedious.     Nor  was  it  enough 
For  thee  to  venture  on  these  wrortgs  alone. 
But  thou,  moreover,  from  each  Grecian  state 
Me  and  these  Children  hast  expell'd,   tho'  seated 
As  suppliants  at  the  altars  of  the  Gods, 
Confounding  those  whose  locks  are  grey  thro*  age 
With  tender  infants.     But  thou  here  hast  found 
Those  who  were  men  indeed,  and  a  free  city 
Which  ftar'd  thee  not.    Thou  wretchedly  shalt  perish. 
And  pay  this  bitter  usury  to  atone 

VOL.   II.  K  K 


498      THE  CHILDREN  O?  HERCULES. 

For  all  thy  crimes,  whose  number  is  so  great 
That  it  were  just  thou  more  than  once  should*st  die. 

me;ssenger  (le). 

You  must  not  kill  him. 

ALCMENA. 

Then  have  we  in  vain 
Taken  him  captive.     But  what  I9.W  forbids 
His  being  slain  ? 

MESSENGER. 

The  rulers  of  thi^  land 
Cgi^ent  not. 

ALCMENA. 
Is  it  not  by  them  esteem'd 
A  glorious  action  to  dispatch  our  foesi* 

MESSENGER. 
Not  such  as  they  have  sciz*d  alive  in  battle. 

ALCMENA. 

Is  Hyllus  satisfied  with  this  decree? 

MESSENGER. 

He,  in  my  judgement,  will  forsooth  act  rightly, 
If  he  oppose  what  Athens  shall  enjoin. 

ALCMENA. 

The  captive  Tyrant  ill  deserves  to  live. 
Or  longer  vi^^w  the  sun. 

I 

'(16)  "  Mr.  Tyrwhitt  jadiciously  observes,  that  the  names  of  the 
^  speakers  prefixed  to  this  and  tlie  thirteen  following  lines  are  faulty: 
^^  Barnes  also  perceived  that  those  which  are  m  the  editions  ascribed  to 
"  the  Messipnger,  belong  to  Alcmena :  Mr.  Tyrwhitt "  was  the  first  to 
<<  observe,  that  those  to  which  the  character  of  the  Chorus  stands  pre* 
'<  fixed,  are  spoken  by  the  Messenger.  What  shews  this,  is  Alcmena's 
"  asking  whether  Hyllus  bore  patiently  tlie  decree  of  the  ^rulers  of 
''  Athens,  wliich  the  Chorus  must  have  been  equally  ignorant  of  with 
«*  herself:  it  is  also  evident  from  (he  Oionis  afterwards  a^ing  Alcmena's 
"  leave  to  give  tlieir  opiniun,  wliich  would  be  ridiculous,  if  they^d 
<«  previously  conversed  together  on  that  subject."    Dr.  Mvsgrate. 


THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES.      499 

MESSENGER. 

In  this  first  instance 
They  did  amiss,  when  by  their  swords  he  died  not. 

ALCMENA. 

Is  it  not  just  that  he  should  suffer  still  f 

MESSENGER. 

He  who  will  slay  him  is  not  to  be  found. 

ALCMENA. 

What  shall  I  say  if  some  adventurous  hand  — 

MESSENGER. 

If  you  do  this,  you  will  incur  great  censure. 

ALCMENA. 
I  love  this  city,  I  confess  :  but  no  man, 
Since  he  is  fall'n  into  my  power,  shall  force 
This  prisoner  from  me :   let  them  call  me  bold 
And  more  presumptuous  than  becomes  a  womfln, 
I  am  "resolved  to  execute  my  purpose. 

MESSENGER. 

Full  well  I  know  the  hatred  which  you  bear 
To  thi?  unhappy  man  is  terrible, 
And  such  as  merits  pardon. 

EURYSTHEUS. 

Be  convinced 
Of  this,  O  Woman,  that  I  cannot  flatter. 
Nor  to  preserve  this  wretched  life  say  aught. 
Whence  they  may  brand  me  with  a  dastard's  name* 
For  I  with  much  reluctance  undertook 
This  contest ;  near  in  blood  am  I  to  thee, 
And  of  that  race  whence  sprung  thy  son  Alcides. 
But  whether  I  consented,  or  was  loth. 
Me  Juno  caus'd  by  her  immortal  power 
To  harbour  this  dire  frenzy  in  my  breast. 
Since  I  became  his  foe^  since  I  resolved 
Upon  this  strifi?,  much  mischief  I  devis'd. 
And  brooded  o'er  it  many  a  tedious  night, 

K  K  2 


too      THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES. 

That  after  I  had  wearied  out  and  slain 
Those  I  abhorr'd,  I  might  no  longer  lead 
A  life  of  fear :  for  well  I  knew  thy  Son 
Was  no  mere  cypher,  but  a  man  indeed : 
Tho'  strong  my  hate,  on  him  will  I  confer 
The  praise  he  merits  from  his  valiant  deeds. 
But  after  he  Wcis  dead,  was  I  not  forc'd. 
Because  1  was  a  foe  to  these  his  Sons, 
And  knew  what  bitter  enmity  Against  me 
They  from  their  Sire  inherited,  to  leave 
No  stone  unturn'd,  to  slay,  to  banish  them, 
And  plot  their  min?     Could  I  have  succeeded 
In  these  designs,  my  throne  had  stood  secure. 
If  thou  my  prosperous  station  hadst  obtain'd, 
Would'st  thou  not  have  attempted  to  huntdowa 
The  lion's  whelps,  instead  of  suffering  them 
At  Argos  unmolested  to  reside  ? 
Thou  canst  prevail  on  no  man  to  give  credit 
To  such  assertions :  therefore,  since  my  foes 
Forbore  to  slay  me,  when  prepar'd  to  lose 
My  life  in  battle  ;  by  the  laws  of  Greece, 
If  I  now  die,  my  blood  will  fix  a  stain 
Of  lasting  guilt  on  him  who  murders  me. 
This  city  hath  discreetly  spar'd  my  life. 
More  influenc'd  by  its  reverence  for  the  Gods 
Than  by  the  hatred  which  to  me  it  bears. 
My  answer  to  the  charges  thou  hast  urg'd 
Against  me,  having  heard,  esteem  me  now 
A  suppliant,  and  tho'  wretched,  still  a  King, 
For  such  is  my  condition  :  tho'  to  die 
I  wish  not,  yet  can  I  without  regret 
Surrender  up  nr'  life. 

CHORUS. 

To  you,  Alcmena, 
A  little  wholesome  counsel  would  I  give, 
Tliis  captive  Monarch  to  release,  since  such 
The  pleasure  of  the  city. 


THE  CHILDREN  OF  HERCULES.      501 

ALCMKNA. 

If  he  die. 
And  to  the  mandates  of  th'  Athenian  realm 
I  still  submit,  what  mischief  can  ensue? 

CHORUS. 
Twere  best  of  all.     But  how  can  these  two  things 
Be  reconciled  ? . 

ALCMENA. 

I  will  inform  you  how 
This  may  with  ease  be  done.     I,  to  his  friends. 
When  slain  will  yield  him  up,  and  with  this  land 
Comply  in  the  disposal  of  his  corse: 
5ut  he  shall  die  to  sate  my  just  revenge. 

EURYSTHEUS. 

Destroy  me  if  thou  wilt ;  to  thee  I  sue  not : 
But  on  this  city,  since  it  spared  m}'  life 
Thro'  pious  reverence,  and  forbore  to  slay  me. 
Will  I  bestow  an  antient  oracle 
Of  Phcebus,  which  in  future  times  shall  prove 
More  advantageous  than  ye  now  suppose ; 
For  after  death,  so  have  the  Fates  decreed, 
TVly  corse  shall  ye  inter  before  the  temple 
Of  the  (17)  Pallenian  maid:  to  you  a  friend 
And  guardian  of  your  city,  shall  I  rest 
Beneath  this  soil  for  ever;  but  a  foe 
To  those  who  spring  from  this  detested  race 
When  with  their  armies  they  invade  this  land  i\%\ 
Requiting  with  ingratitude  your  kindness  : 
Such  strangers  ye  protect.— But  thus  forewarn'd. 
Why  came  I  hither?  Thro*  a  fond  belief 
That  Juno  was  with  far  superior  power 
To  each  oracular  response  endued, 


(17)  Minerva. 

(18)  *^  Which  the  Lacedaemodians,  the  descendants  of  the  HeracUdse, 
^  did  more  than  once,  durinf  the  tini6  of  the  P^kipo&esian  war.** 

MCSORATlS. 


9tK     THE  CHILI>R6N  OF  HERCCJtES. 

Ami  llwl  uiy  canse  she  ne'er  would  have  betray'd. 
On  me  wutiie  uo  libations,  nor  let  gore 
Be  pour'd  forth  on  the  spot  of  my  interment. 
For  I  lo  pDuish  thcie  ilieir  impiotiv  fleeds. 
Will  cnuDC  ihetn  with  dishonour  to  return  : 
From  me  shall  yo  receive  n  double  gain, 
J-'or  villi  I  will  aasist,  and  prove  to  thein 
Moht  baneful  e'en  iii  death. 

ALCMENA. 

Why  are  ye  lotli 
To  sl;iy  tliis  man,  if  what  ye  hear  be  true. 
That  welfare  to  this  city  hence  will  spring. 
And  your  poslcriiy?     For  he  points  out 
The  safest  road.    AHve  he  la  a  foe, 
Uui  after  he  is  dead  will  provu  a  friend. 
Ye  servatits  bear  him  hence,  and  to  the  dogs 
Cast  forth  without  delay  hia  brealhles»corse ; 
Think  not,  presumptuous  wretch,  that  iliou  shalt  livji 
Again  t' expel  me  from  my  native  land. 
CHORl'S. 
With  this  am  1  well  pleas'd.     My  followers,  go. 
For  hence  in  our  king's  sight  shall  we  stand  guiltles 


END  gF    VOL.  11.